Utopia project basics

EXPERIMENTATION AND RESEARCH IN CONTEMPORARY ARTISTIC PRACTICES Utopia as an expression of unlimited imagination and desire is a concept that has always fascinated artists. Art can see in utopia a means to lift the restrictions of reality and accomplish the free expression of its visions. Starting from this connection and its various instantiations in the history of art, this workshop deals with the multiple significations, implications and dimensions of utopia. In everyday discourse the term ‘utopia’ is usually connected with an ideal future, with what seems impossible within the confines of reality, and is thus bound to create margins for many and often contradictory interpretations. Utopias are the places of dreams and hopes for a better life, which provide an escape from an always incomplete and constraining status quo. Sometimes they involve grandiose metaphysical schemata, other times they take the form of ephemeral shelters distanced from detailed sociopolitical reflection. Always, however, their creation is based on the criticism of established (political and aesthetical) institutions and social structures. Inspiring antithetical political and artistic practices, praised but also criticized, utopia has been a focus of debate for many disciplines and approaches. By blending theoretical discussion, aesthetic reflection and the artistic work of the participants, this workshop aims at critically exploring the various interconnections between theory and praxis, vision and reality, desire and finitude, utopia and dystopia.

"Utopia project" is an annual summer workshop organized by the Athens School of Fine Arts in Rethymno Crete. RETHYMNO, CRETE ISLAND, GREECE The site is build on a pine tree hill above Rethymno with a view to the town, the old castle and the sea. It includes five rooms containing one or two beds and bathroom with hot water, the use of common kitchen, laundry Room, inside and outside common and working spaces. There is a garden and paths through the woods in the area, also places to sit or walk or work on nice days. Meals are self-organized, according to the users (individuals or groups). Wireless internet is available on the building and parts of the yard and the garden. The town is only a 15 min walk from the site where you can find a bakery, supermarket, pharmacy, international press and tobacco store as well as printing, photography and art shops.