RESIDENCY FE26
THE INHERITED EARTH
In a barren and intensely diverse area of the island of Tinos, (Exo Meria), NWMW NPO invites creators from all cultural fields to reside ephemerally for two weeks and interact with history, matter, technique, the natural landscape and to create an on-site project in one of the characteristic quarries of Exo Meria, the Agios Eleftherios quarry in Pyrgos Tinos.
Location
AGIOS ELEYTHERIOS QUARRY
It is one of the early quarries of the village of Pyrgos in Exo Meria of Tinos and is located directly above the village. Although the place is called Marmara, the damari is known as “Damari of Ai-Leuteriou” from the chapel of Agios Eleftherios, which is built on its curbs. According to tradition, “in this location, where thousands of cubic meters of white marble have been extracted in very old times, the marble workers of that time built it to have a patron saint”.
It includes three separate pelicans (formerly more), that is, three independent properties which changed owners over time. The marble layer forms the starting point of a fold (wreath) that disappears underground and reappears. Along its route, it was also used in other places.
The marble it includes is solid, white with reddish veins. Its good quality, the ease of extraction ensured by the combs and the ease of transport (due to the immediate proximity to the village) contributed to its exploitation, at least from the 17th century, as attested by dated constructions made of this marble. It seems possible that marbles of some early works come from this quarry, such as those found in the iconostasis of Agios Nikolaos of Vanis, 1662-64).
MONUMENTS
The quarries, the slitters, the boatyards, the mines as well as each monument, constitute a visible, material basis for shaping and preserving memory. The monument, as a material tangible object, functions as a visual stimulus to stimulate memory, since people recognize in it aspects of the past that may or may not refer to their lived experience, thus contributing to the reintegration of individual memory into collective. Traditional arts function as an element of collective identity and memory of every people and emphasize the value of preserving and highlighting its intangible cultural heritage.
Benefits
GENERAL
Ferry boats
Coastal ferries are provided for the route Tinos - Athens (Athens - Tinos).
Accommodation in Tinos (Exo Meria)
The accommodation provided by the residency team concerns a series of spaces (rental, airbnb, other structures) a short distance from the Ag. Eleftherios quarry.
Meals
A combination of meals (breakfast, dinner) is offered and may include group dinners, traditional feasts, local restaurants, etc. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
Transportation
Vehicles will be available to the residents for all their needs throughout the program.
CREATION
Productions
The basic cost for each production has been decided at two hundred (200) euros. The cost of each production may vary slightly, depending on the proposed project and following curatorial guidelines.
Preparation / rehearsal spaces
Indoor and outdoor areas with electricity.
Associates / Craftsmen
A range of specialties (electrician, blacksmith, marble worker, carpenter) will be available to guest artists, in consultation with the production team.
Useful archival and research material
Access to the repository and relevant bibliography as well as to the research team of the program.
Useful material
BIBLIOGRAPHY
History of art - Philosophy
Geology
Anthropology - Ethnography
Tinos
VIDEO
1. In 2015 the “Tinian Marble Craftmanship” was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage- UNESCO 2003). Language GR – Subtitles EN
2. George Vidos analyses the ancient technique of marble quarrying. Language GR – Subtitles EN
3. George VIdos talks about the marble vains and their significance. Language GR – Subtitles EN
PHOTOS
Download photos from the first actions in Tinos.