This fascinating collection of works by James Greenberg chronicles the four-year process of building his dream home on the volcanic island of Patmos, offering a glimpse into a world steeped in tradition, collaboration and the transformative power of creation.

Greenberg’s photographs go beyond simply documenting a construction project. They delve into the essence of the place, capturing the sun-kissed beauty of Patmos, the skilled hands of local workers, and the humorous and moving stories that unfolded during the process.

“Stone House – Greek Island” goes beyond the limits of a typical construction project. Through moving images, the exhibition explores the human experience at the core of creation. Viewers will be transported to the sunny shores of Patmos, witnessing the meticulous work of skilled artisans who communicate primarily through gestures and their shared vision. The photographs capture the humor, challenges and deep connections made during this remarkable undertaking.

The photographer describes the essence of the exhibition:

This project represents the coming together of two timeless interests: photography and architectural design. These images are, like an island, only the small visible part above the surface of the water, not only of this undertaking, but also of the lives and art of these people.

In the book of the same name from which this exhibition is derived, Greenberg goes on to analyze four themes that emerged from this experience: disaster, obsession, tradition, and luck. These powerful concepts lend depth and meaning to the visual journey, encouraging viewers to think about the creative process itself.

CAM is very pleased to host this unique exhibition. “… His work recognizes the interdependence of all elements of work, not just human labor. The wisdom with which these elements are combined into a single structure brings to life Greenberg’s vision, a delicate choreography in which the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.” [Andreas Theodoridis, Lefteris Vergerakis, Penny Horafa, CAM]

Adding his perspective, Dinos Siotis, president of the Greek “Circle of Poets”, emphasizes the importance of the project for culture and points out: “Since ancient times, the Aegean has inspired artists. Greenberg’s photographs transcend the boundaries of the natural world, capturing the emotional connection between workers, materials and the island itself.”

COEFFICIENTS

The curator of the exhibition on behalf of CAM has been undertaken by the architect Penny Horafa in collaboration with the Architectural Committee of the Center of Mediterranean Architecture (Lefteris Vergerakis, Valina Geropanda, Andreas Theodoridis, Giorgos Kalligeris, Zacharias Pistopoulos, Dimitris Tsakalakis)

Resume:

James Allan Greenberg was born in Los Angeles, California on March 23, 1954. He studied photography at the Art Center College of Design from 1972 to 1975. In 1976 he moved to Paris where he won awards for his fashion photographs, published in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Votre Beauté and L’Officiel. His work was also featured in Zoom, “Le Magazine de L’image”.

In 1982 he returned to Los Angeles and bought a Spanish Colonial Revival style mansion near the sea, built in 1926 and designed by the important architect Paul Revere Williams. This sparked his interest in architecture, a skill he perfected over the next twenty-four years renovating and improving this mansion.

Contact: Penny Chorafa, CAM Events Manager, [email protected]

USEFUL

Dates: Monday 20 May 2024 – Sunday 2 June 2024

Exhibition Hours: 10:00 – 14:00

Location: GREAT ARSENAL – Center of Mediterranean Architecture (CAM)

Book presentation: Sunday 26 May 20:00

Free entrance

Source :  www.chania-culture.gr