2 weeks later

Title of piece:

‘In memory of’

Background:

I spent the two weeks, from 15-30 November 2009 on Syros Isle as part of my Liveart.gr Syros residency. I decided to dedicate this residency and the outcome of it to my beloved grandfather George Velissaropoulos who sadly left us last year. I spent my time researching the house he grew up in the Velissaropoulos Mansion, and planning an audio-visual installation to take place within the premises.

Plan:

The final installation is planned to take place 15-30 of July 2010 as part of Ermoupolia, the annual art festival taking place every summer in Ermoupolis, Syros.The installation will consist of an audio experience through the interior of the building, helping the visitor to travel back in time, through a journey where moments are captured in sound.

A talk on the research and work will take place in the ‘Ballroom’

An audio-visual presentation and gathering will take place in the gardens.

A day at the mansion

Looking at other buildings for more inspiration

It is very touching when you realise a buildings life through the people who lived in it, passed through it and worked in it. There are many decadent buildings on Syros, marking eras long gone, which tell a story of many stories. I visited two of them today, one being the old 'λοιμοκαθαρτήριο' (quarantine) building, later used as jails, then prisons for political criminals and last as a 'lunatic asylum'. The next building being the 'Eastern Telegraph Company' building which was initially used as a storage space, but as E.T.C. took over it is now known as the 'Τηλεγραφείο'.

This small escapade has led me to research the ethereal aspect of past times and how to revive them delicately through what is left of them. Unlike these buildings, the Velissaropoulos Mansion has a very clear identity, although it has changed hands 3 times, the building itself has finally been revived close to its original state and one can envision its past life.

Julian Treasure: The 4 ways sound affects us

The Staircase...

The Dinningroom...

Courtyard Cycling

I was told by my grandfather that he learned to cycle in the hallways of the house and then cycle in the courtyards and roof terrace...

My first visions of creation

The building, in all its grandeur, most still visible, some in minor decadence, has inspired me to think about working on a delicate intervention basis, with sound & light. I am interested in creating site-specific interventions in 2 or 3 interior and exterior spaces.

Elements of Inspiration - Exterior spaces

Elements of Inspiration - Skylight & Staircase

Elements of inspiration - ballroom, diningroom and bedrooms

My first impressions of the interior of the mansion in the context of the residency

Most powerful I find the elements of light, illusion and nature. Also the attempt to bring the outside in, and to visually eliminate walls and boundaries. The images although static, help you escape from the confinement of the walls, they make you think even when you don't intend to. I am in love with the light coming from the of the sun roof / sky light and its ability to give so much life and energy to the core of the building.

photo courtesy of Yannis Larios

Nature Element II

Notes on Neoclassical buildings on Syros

Between 1840-1860 celebrated architects such as the Italian Pietro Sampo, the Germans: Johann B. Erlacher and Wilhelm von Weiler and later the Greeks:Emmanouil Pschas, Ioannis Vlisidis and Demetris Eleftheriadis started to create the type of building typical of Hemoupolis. Under the influence of the Romantic and Classical trends in architecture they designed buildings that represented the special Neo-classical style of Hermoupolis which is characterized by the Romantic-Classical trends which had a stronger western influence compared to those of Athens. The first town plan of Wilhelm von Weiler ( 1837 ) resulted in the foundation of this neo-classical town with central roads, squares and public buildings being mapped out.

The Neo-Classical houses in Hermoupolis, built at this time, combined various styles. The internal decoration was according to the traditional Italian School with ceiling and wall frescos. Externally the houses showed the sensitive lines and limited monumental design of Greek Classical style. The architectural style of Hermouoplis did not change much during the 20th century except for a few post-war buildings. Even today the town maintains this appearance.

The Velissaropoulos Mansion was built by Syriot architect I. Vlisidis in 1871 / proclaimed a precious work of art in 1987 and was encircled by a protective zone.

Nature Element I

Article about my Grandfather

In Memory of

Last year we lost my beloved grandfather. I have been very lucky in my life not to have felt sorrow of this magnitude up until then. I decided to dedicate this Live Art Residency and the outcome of it to my grandfather.

Within the next 2 weeks, I wish to explore aspects of what my grandfather meant to me, elements of his life, or what I have been told his life was, by him and others, and elements of my memories of him. At the end of the 2 weeks I wish to have created a piece which I can exhibit on Syros Island.

I have gained a special interest in the house he spent the largest part of his childhood, the Velissaropoulos Mansion, now also known as the workers union, in Ermoupolis, Syros, Greece. The mansion was renovated and reopened to the public in 2006. I include some pictures below:

some of the above pictures are courtesy of Yannis Larios