NEW YORK – The opening of the art exhibition titled Occupy # 3 – Networks took place at the Consulate General of Greece in New York, on February 9, honoring the celebration of World Greek Language Day.

In this year’s exhibition, more than 100 artists and curators join forces and are called to “occupy” the Consulate General of Greece and the Consulate General of France in New York – the opening of which took place on February 17 – with employees and visitors, not in a museum, but in the workplace, projecting a new perspective on art networks and new patterns in the contemporary expression of creation.

Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras said: “I welcome you to the Consulate General. Today is a day of joy because we celebrate World Greek Language Day. On this day, we took the initiative for some internationally renowned artists to ‘occupy’ the Consulate General and place their works, which range from simple paintings to complex installations and very remarkable works of art.”

Many of the artists and diplomats present referred to Greek cultural influences, but also to how the Greek language and philosophy remain extremely relevant for contemporary artistic movements.

As Eirini Linardaki, Project Initiator and coordinator said about Occupy #3 – Networks: “We attempt to demonstrate how as actors of the arts we inhabit our time and nourish our work with the responsibilities that are born specifically from our presence within communities, from our universal need of belonging and sharing. The works are curated having in my mind the daily interaction between the exhibits and the staff of the Consulates.”

She continued: “The project is conducted as a cooperative effort by the Occupy Art Project team. It is led by independent artists and curators. We would like to highlight initiatives that respond to socio-political shifts, activist approaches, community based and public art projects that aim to shift hierarchies and provide more representation and accessibility for artistic minories (artists immigrants, parents, artists in reintegration, etc.) Furthermore, we will create a map of initiatives and promote art networks and artists that question, explore and create new paradigms in contemporary and public art.”

The exhibition is impressive with the curation by a group consisting of Shani Ha, Julien Gardair, François-Thibaut Pencenat, and Eleni Riga. Graphic design is by Vincent Parisot and the Major Partner of the project is ARCAthens.

“We’re very proud to be hosting this exhibition at the Consulates General of Greece and France in New York. This project led by independent artists and curators aims to transform public space through art in a very inclusive way. It is also the occasion for us to remind Greek and French communities, European and American friends that our doors are always open to them. So, enjoy this unique exhibition,” Consul General Koutras and Consul General of France in New York Jérémie Robert said in a joint statement.

The Consuls General of other countries in New York, many artists, the American public, as well as representatives of the Greek community were among those present at the opening. The exhibition will be open to the public for one month by appointment only.

RSVP for the Consulate General of France in New York exhibition via email: [email protected]

More information is available online: https://www.occupyartproject.com/.