We were recently invited to the charming book café Literature House in Kypseli, where our wonderful student Elena Radoi, together with Japanese artist Satoshi Kawata, is working on the interdisciplinary art project The Gap.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to see up close a striking fresco-style artwork inspired by the local surroundings of the neighborhood. As the artist explained, the piece was created to reflect and respond to the urban context of Kypseli.
Elena generously guided us through the concept of The Gap, explaining how her work investigates the long-term impact of various weapons on frescoes found in churches, buildings, and other structures across time. Her research goes beyond historical bibliography—it delves into the representation, symbolism, psychology, and consequences of violence as expressed in these visual traces.
The art created by Satoshi Kawata in this phase of the project has been shaped specifically to embody these ideas. The work will remain on display in Athens for the next four months before continuing its journey to Tokyo.
We are deeply grateful for the chance to speak with Elena, to learn about her research, and to witness such a unique artistic collaboration unfold here in the heart of Athens.
