On Friday evening, two Athenian “tribes” met in Zappion against the backdrop of the fountain: on the one hand, reading lovers who visited the book fair, on the other hand, art connoisseurs who were in a hurry to open Art Athina. . Leaving the crowds at the stalls, live readings, and book presentations, I crossed the threshold of the Palace to tour the fair, which stubbornly insists on standing despite the obstacles that have existed there for the past decade. Let’s not forget that the art market in Greece has suffered since the beginning of the financial crisis, and gallery owners have struggled to adapt and survive. Therefore, they deserve our support, which they received especially since during the three days that the exhibition lasted, the attendance of the public was very high.

Indeed, after quarantine, the thirst of the people is felt: old people, young heads of families with babies, and a well-known artistic crowd walked here. The proof is also the fact that during the three days of Art Athina 2022, visitors had to wait patiently in a queue that reached the Zappeion neighborhood. Inside the exhibition – in the midst of the autumn heat – the owners of 80 art galleries presented their exposition: from painting and installations to sculpture and ceramics. The largest annual art event in Greece is organized by the Panhellenic Association of Art Galleries under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou. Under the artistic direction of the active Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos, it strives every time to become – in miniature – a panorama of the contemporary Greek and international visual scene. Thus, foreign galleries also participate every time, and for collectors and artists who come to our country from abroad, there is a special program to get acquainted with our art products.

On Friday evening, officials walked through all the booths. Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Deputy Minister of Contemporary Culture Nicolas Giatromanolakis, Attica Regional Governor Giorgos Patulis and Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis presented their “gifts”. At the weekend there were a large number of participants in educational programs for little fans. The same enthusiasm was seen in speeches and side events held as part of the fair, which concluded late on Monday evening. The report is considered positive. The only objection of some: the exhibition, probably, should be held a little later in the fall, so that there is no heat and dampness.