The Benaki Museum and the Círculo de Bellas Artes, with the collaboration of the Greek Embassy, the Instituto Cervantes in Athens and the Instituto Italiano de Cultura in Madrid, are organizing the exhibition Una topografía estética (An aesthetic topography), by the Greek architect Dimitris Pikionis, that will be exhibited until April 27 in the Minerva Room of the Circle.
Dimitris Pikionis (1887-1968) is a relevant figure in 20th century Greek culture. A friend of the painter Giorgio De Chirico, he studied painting and sculpture in Munich and later in Paris where he came into contact with modern painting, especially by Cézanne and Paul Klee, as well as with sculpture by Rodin. Having returned to his native Greece, he rediscovered his architectural vocation without abandoning painting. At the same time, and in the company of a group of artists, he edited the magazine To Trito Mati (“The Third Eye”), a key publication in the thirties that introduced knowledge of the European avant-garde in Greece.
Although contemporary of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, his architecture sought to integrate tradition with modern abstraction. The work of Dimitris Pikionis synthesizes in its form the desire to attend to the condition of the Hellenic identity culture, understood as a synthesis between West, East and Byzantium.
The exhibition shows through six architectural works the creative process of the Greek architect. Pikionis’ images, drawings and plans are interspersed with the author’s own words. His thoughts, reflections and autobiographical notes will guide the visitor. In the centre of the room is his most important project: the landscaping of the entrances to the Acropolis of Athens, full of pictorial references on its floors. An example of what might be considered “aesthetic topography”.
In addition, the following conferences will be held on the figure of Dimitris Pikionis: 11 March- A continuous horizon, with Juan Ramón Martín. Analysis of the landscape and marble paths designed by Pikionis around the Acropolis of Athens; 25 March- 1:2000. Cartography of a landscape, with Covadonga Blasco Veganzones. Study of the landscape intervention on the Acropolis through plans and technical documentation; 8 April- The Byzantine Bauhaus, with Haris Papoulias. Approach to the aesthetics of Pikionis, a synthesis between West and East, modernity and tradition. Each session will address one facet of this key architect’s work, highlighting his ability to integrate the traditional with the modern.
