This publication is a collection of the first series of conversations on contemporary art and
culture, part of the public program at the George Economou Collection. Taking the
exhibition as starting point, these conversations embark on an exploration of some of its
principal themes with a novel approach at the intersection of art and visual culture.
Some of these themes include the value of portraiture, the significance and implications of
found photography, the impact of New Objectivity on photography and the resurgence of
subculture as a constant referent among many contemporary artists. The conversations
were conceived and gain further momentum in the context of the present moment of
political instability, social fractiousness and ecological alarm. In an image-saturated world,
where technology pervades all aspects of our social and personal life, these conversations
encourage a thoughtful engagement with contemporary visual arts, foster critical thinking
and underline the educational and cultural significance of art.
The public program is curated by Vassilios Doupas, in collaboration with Skarlet Smatana,
director of the George Economou Collections.
Contributors to this series include Ann Demeester, director of Kunsthaus, Zurich;
Christiane Lange, director of the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart; Diedrich Diedrichsen, academic
and cultural critic; James Lingwood, curator and producer and former co-director of
Artangel, London; Christin Muller, independent curator and writer on photography; Jorge
Ribalta, artist, curator and researcher; and Jeff Wall, artist.