about
residency program
past editions
locations
supporters
contact:
paxosbiennale@gmail.com
about
residency program
past editions
locations
supporters
contact:
paxosbiennale@gmail.com
Paxos Biennale is a decentralized contemporary art biennial featuring large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, photography, murals, and video works across multiple locations. Held every two years during the summer, it takes place on the island of Paxos in Greece.
Our goal
The project aims to support and present works of emerging and mid-career artists by offering them a 2-weeks residency and a unique environment to express their ideas and creativity. Furthermore, by promoting the island as a site for contemporary art to regular and new visitors, it is the Paxos Biennale team’s goal to increase people’s sensitivity towards the environment, preserve the islands heritage and stimulate the local community through art.
Our Philosophy
All our art events and installations are hosted in public places across the island and are completely free of charge for all. Locals and visitors from Greece, Europe and the rest of the world will be able to access the locations either by bike/car/motorbike or by foot. Some of the larger installations might also be visible from the sea.
Please check the Biennale’s Google Map for exact locations. Visitors will be able to navigate the program of the Biennale as well as heritage sites, natural reserves, restaurants, beaches and other places of interest.
Founder
Italian born Marina Tomacelli Filomarino, the founder of the Paxos Biennale has a long history on the island. Inspired by its diverse sites, she has decided to invite artists to express their creativity in this unique environment. “We wanted to identify contemporary artists, that have the ability to create thought provoking and site specific works in remote areas. Also, I believe sculptures get a much greater depth in nature than in galleries”.
As a result of her love of the island and the Ionian Sea she has also developed the aim to increase healthy tourism to the island long term. From the beginning she was supported by an incredibly passionate and motivated team of locals and summer residents.
Curator
The Krank (b. 1988, GR) is a visual artist and curator based in Athens. His work has been presented at major venues and institutions across Europe, Asia, and the America, including TYPO Berlin at Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Documenta Halle, KKL Luzern, RÄUME during Berlin Art Week, World Conference Center Bonn, Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, Athens Conservatoire, Deutsche Historisches Museum, Transmediale, Piraeus Municipal Art Gallery, Berry Campbell Gallery, VIMA Art Fair, CICA Museum, Art Athina, Barbican Centre with The British Council, The Wrong Biennale, SESI Lab, and at the World Health Organization pavilion during COP30 in Brazil.
Since 2019, he has curated medium and large-scale exhibitions such as Berlin Graphic Days Festival 13 & 14, Adrania I & II (under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture), Mystery 56 for Eleusis European Capital of Culture 2023, and the 7th Wrong Biennale.
Sotheby's, Financial Times, IGNANT, Huffington Post, CNN-News18, CNBCTV 18, Ouest-France, RTBF Belgium, Colossal, Designboom, Wallpaper, Yahoo! news, Le Dauphiné libéré, Metro Puerto Rico, Creative Boom, 20 minutes France, Malay Mail, Pioche! Magazine +more
Greek:
Kathimerini, Ethnos, OPEN TV, SKAI, LIFO, Athens Voice, Proto Thema, Popaganda, CultureNow, Vogue Greece, Provocateur, The Art Newspaper Greece, Efsyn, Rosa Progressive, Athinorama, News 24/7, Elculture +more
Paxos lies south of Corfu in the Ionic sea. The island has been able to protect itself from the strain of modern tourism, maintaining a unique landscape and spirit of hospitality.
Info Point
An information point at the Paxos Magic Holidays office in the centre of Gaios will provide detailed information about the artists and their work. Open 7/7, 10am-2pm and 8pm-10.30pm.
Sponsors and Supporters
Paxos Biennale is an independent non-profit organisation and relies on the support of corporate/private sponsors and the local community. Sponsors Edition 2018, 2022 & 2024:
The Thinking Traveller - Essentiel Antwerp - Fougaros Tailored Travel