The in-situ installation “Straw falling on concrete floors” by internationally renowned visual artist Kostas Velonis was presented by 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, in collaboration with the Aeschylia Festival 2022. The installation was exhibited from August 28 to October 23, 2022, at the courtyard behind the open theater of the Old Olive Mill in Elefsina.
“Straw falling on concrete floors” draws inspiration from the myth of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, and her daughter, Persephone. With a strict geometric delimitation that functions as a mechanism of gestation and harvesting, agricultural activities are linked to the erotic act. However, the erotic narrative in this monumental sculptural installation is not only underlined by the triangular shape of its structure, but is also found in the functionality of the construction. The “thighs of Demeter” function as an insect shelter with floors consisting of different recyclable materials and plants, which “seduce” all kinds of insects that assist in the pollination process.
Contributors
Artist: Kostas Velonis
Curatorial Direction: Directorate of Contemporary Art – Zoi Moutsokou Eleusis European Capital of Culture
Associate Curator: Ioanna Gerakidi
Architectural Curation: A Whale’s architects & Diogenis Verigakis
Photography: Panos Kokkinias
Scientific and Material Contribution: Agricultural University of Athens
Production Management: Alexandros Tiliopoulos
Production Coordination: Giorgos Katsonis
Executive Production: opbo studio
A production of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture
