Thessaloniki Biennale Spotlights Pioneering Artist Maria Karabela's Political Performances

The 9th Thessaloniki Biennale, titled 'Everything Must Change. Radical Intelligence. Thessaloniki 9,' is presenting a significant exhibition dedicated to the groundbreaking work of artist Maria Karabela. The exhibition, running until July 5, focuses on Karabela's historical performances from 1974, a period when Greece was redefining its democratic identity following years of dictatorship. One notable performance, documented in photographs, took place at the Grand Palais in Paris and featured Karabela bound on the floor amidst papers and images related to the Polytechnic uprising, with a portrait of Henry Kissinger prominently displayed. The phrase 'La nouvelle démocratie de la Grèce' ('The new democracy of Greece') was scrawled on a wall above a swastika, reflecting the turbulent political climate and Karabela's sharp critique. Karabela, who passed away in 2012, is recognized for her deeply political and incisive art. According to artist and performer Mary Zygouri, who manages Karabela's archive, Karabela was the first artist in Greece to create 'space,' a term used before 'performance' became common. Zygouri describes Karabela's work as 'visual theater,' noting the artist's transition from painting to 'live' art. The exhibition at MOMUS – Museum of Contemporary Art displays evidence from iconic performances and installations in Paris, alongside archival material from the Situationists. Works from 1970-71 and photographs from the interdisciplinary spectacle 'Kokkinia' (1979) are also featured at the TIF-Helexpo venues. The exhibition provides unprecedented visibility to Karabela's oeuvre, which was previously hampered by censorship, insufficient documentation, and a lack of institutional recognition.

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Maria Karabela is the first artist who made 'space' in Greece, that's what they called it back then. The term 'performance' did not yet exist in our country. She herself calls it 'visual theater' in her notes.