The artist’s studio and summer residence in the island of Kea will open its doors to the public from July 18th to September 15th 2024.
The atelier and residence of Alekos Fassianos is a small house of typical cycladic architecture, with rich curves dressed in white asbestos, ochre doors, a traditional wooden roof and with a vista of the Aegean. It is located in the island’s main city (Chora), Ioulida.
Fassianos first discovered Kea in the spring of 1967 while accompanying a family friend to complete her oblation. He was instantly surprised by the island’s vast and hidden beaches, its valleys and the architecturally preserved town. He began visiting the island regularly as it was close to Athens and met with the inhabitants who embraced him and introduced him to the island’s archaeological treasures. Kea was in abundance of fertile stretches of land, livestock, fishery and tanneries. Fassianos decided to purchase this small studio to live and work during the summer season. It is in this small residence that he invited some of his friends among who Louis Aragon, Giannis Tsarouhis, Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely Niko Stefanou and many others.
The space remains intact with his personal objects. It’s filled with handcrafted toys, ceramics and clothes.
Fassianos cared for every detail in the space, from the metallic figures on the door’s railings, to the hand painted furniture. The studio is of significant importance to the deeper understanding of the artist’s life, work and aesthetics.
The studio is operated by the Alekos Fassianos Estate with the goal to exhibit and interpret the legacy of Alekos Fassianos and promote the study of his prolific body of work. The atelier and residence of the artist in Kea opened its doors to the public in 2023, successfully aligned with the opening of the Alekos Fassianos Museum in Athens.
…He found himself in Kea within the spring of 1967. A place still virginal, Лlled with history. With immediacy he fell in love with the island’s chora, ‘Ioulida’, for its picturesque and historical site. The locals embraced him and a friendship began amongst them after discussions on the commonplace, their habits, and their work – It was one of the few Cycladic islands with fertile stretches of land, livestock, and tanneries… even an enamel factory! It was self-suffIcient. He liked that. He bought a small house typical of Cycladic architecture – with rich curves dressed in white asbestos, a traditional roof, and with a vista of the Aegean from the small windows.
He would go there in the summers, upon his return from the raindrenched Paris, so he may enjoy the Cycladic sun, which he loved… He would go there to paint, to cook the Лsh (of those he caught), to be a host to his friends and admirers who wanted to view him in the act of creation… at times painted works, at times functional objects, toys, sculptures, and anything else with the simplest of materials. He was continuously enthused by something within his ‘nest’; in this homely place, where, when tired and in need of a rest, he would lie down on the lithe, small bed with woven linens. He was humble, simple – in the same way as his spaces.
Everything at once… from the furniture to the curtain rod… of his hand. His identity revealing itself everywhere. The grandeur of his creativity – the majesty – that leaves his personal mark to eternity.
-The text was translated during the inaugural opening of the Alekos Fassianos Atelier in 2022 in collaboration with Athens Design Forum
OPENING HOURS
Thursday − Sunday
10am − 1pm & 6pm − 9pm
ADDRESS
Alekou Fasianou Str., Ioulida, Kea
TICKETS
General entrance: 3€
Free admission:
- Children under 18
- Visitors with disabilities and their companion
- Journalists
CONTACT
For more details, please contact
INSTAGRAM: alekos.fassianos
FACEBOOK: alekos.fassianos
TIKTOK:@alekosfassianosmuseum
HOW TO GET THERE
Ferry boats from Lavrio to Kea.
The Alekos Fassianos Atelier & Residence is located in Ioulida. Upon arrival at the Ioulida Piazza, you will find Alekou Fasianou Str. on your left.