Next to his name Yanni Xenakis adding qualifications is not easy. A man who managed to combine (seemingly) opposite worlds of art and science, theory and practice, quite modern and innovative with ancient classics. This versatile 20th-century artist aims to present National Museum of Modern Art through a double exhibition dedicated to his personality and creativity.

Of course, when we talk about Xenakis, the focus should be on the music. That is why EMST cooperates with two major musical institutions in the artist’s home country: the Paris Music Museum and the Philharmonic in France and the Center for Contemporary Music Research of the Athens Conservatory in Greece. The result is the largest exhibition-presentation of Giannis Xenakis internationally, which begins on the first floor of the museum with the presentation of the exhibition “Jannis Xenakis: Sound Odysseys” from 29 June.

There we will see original material stemming from his multifaceted creative nature: photographs, architectural drawings, illustrative scores, layouts, as well as anecdotal audio material. All of the above is divided into six sections, focusing on the most unconventional part of Xenakis’ work and shedding light on his personal history, as well as his visual, literary and musical works.

The latter, after all, is unique. For the first time applying mathematical models, i.e. game theory – in music making, Xenakis has been a leading influence internationally in the development of electronic sound and computer musical composition in general. Already in the 1950s, he experimented with the codes of modern music, creating a completely individual style with references to antiquity, elements of nature, as well as a vision of the use of technology.

And since it is difficult to understand any creator, let alone the socially concerned Xenakis, without relating him to the era and the political and cultural movements that defined him, the specially designed exhibition space of Eva Manidakis and Thanasis Demiris (Flux Office) promises exactly what it is. invites the visitor to immerse themselves in the troubled personal history of Xenakis and discover his multi-dimensional universe. Editing for this particular project is by Machi Xenakis, Thierry Maniguet and Katherine Greg.

At the same time, the third floor of the EMST features another exhibition called “Xenakis and Greece” which explores Xenakis’ interesting and complex relationship with his country of birth; from years of exile in France after a (missing) death sentence, until his return and acquittal nearly three decades later. The rich archival material, photographs and letters reflect the musical life of Greece in the 1960s and 1970s, the initiatives that promoted avant-garde trends, and finally the arrival of Yiannis Xenakis himself and the organization of his great Greek works such as Mycenae’s Polytopus.

Both exhibitions will last until 07/01/2024. At the same time, EMST is set to organize a series of events, screenings and concerts that will complement Xenakis’ legacy and the contemporary nature of his vision.