Explore the modern and contemporary art of Greece
Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, bursts with artistic energy. From the timeless grandeur of ancient sculptures to the bold expressions of contemporary artists, the nation boasts a rich and evolving artistic heritage. Now, a cutting-edge project brings this vibrant tapestry of Greek art to the world stage, emphasizing the richness of modern and contemporary art.
Greek Art Now, a collaboration between seven prestigious Greek national museums and Google Arts & Culture, unveils a stunning collection of over 60 immersive stories. This digital exhibition offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore masterpieces from renowned institutions, presenting the best of Hellenic art from the last century till now. Seven of the most important Greek national museums have collaborated to showcase their collections on Google Arts & Culture, including The National Gallery — Alexandros Soutsos Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) and the comprehensive MOMus Collections: the Museum of Modern Art - Costakis Collection, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, the Experimental Center for the Arts and the Museum Alex Mylona.
Take a journey through time and styles
The exhibition showcases the fascinating dialogue between ancient traditions and modern innovation. Witness how contemporary artists, like Lizzie Calligas with her playful nod to ancient Greek art in The Four Caryatids, reinterpret classical themes. Trace the influence of artistic movements across generations, from the vibrant Post-Impressionism of Maleas' Landscape by the Sea to the electric energy of Tsarouchis' Neon Cafè, a former haunt of Athenian artists. Delve into the unique visual language of Bia Davou, who masterfully blended shapes, mathematics and the epic narrative of the Odyssey. And explore the powerful sculptural expressions championed by MOMus in Athens through the works of Alex Mylona.
The Four Caryatids by photographer Lizzie Calligas show how contemporary artists love to play with ancient Greek art.
The Landscape by the Sea by Maleas with clear colors and brushstrokes marks the presence of Post-Impressionism in Greece.
The Neon Cafè painted by Tsarouchis was the meeting place of many Athenian artists.
Bia Davou built a special visual language, made up of shapes, mathematics and the Odyssey.
MOMus in Athens is an institution that promotes sculptural expression through the artworks of Alex Mylona.
Meet the masters
Greek Art Now introduces you to the protagonists of the more recent Greek art history. Journey from the solemn Romanticism of Nikolaos Gyzis to the Post-Impressionist fervor of Kostantinos Maleas. Discover how the generation of the 1930s embraced 20th-century movements, from Ghikas' Cubism to Yannis Moralis' Abstractism. These pioneering artists paved the way for contemporary visionaries like Bia Davou, Alex Mylona, and the artists of the New Realism.
Unveil the details
Immerse yourself in over 1,500 high-resolution images, including artworks captured with the Google Arts & Culture Art Camera. Feel the textures of Nikos Kessanlis' Wall, experience the vibrant colors of Alekos Fassianos' Adam and Eve and examine the intricate details of Christiana Solou's L’Escamoteur or the captivating human figures in Yannis Moralis' geometric phase in Erotic and the unique vision of Konstantinos Parthenis. Why not try to engage with some of these artworks in a fun and unique way, deconstructing them and putting them together with this new interactive Puzzle Party?
“Greece holds an unparalleled significance for Google Arts & Culture. It's not just the cradle of Western civilization and philosophy that draws us, but also the vibrant and often underrepresented richness of its modern and contemporary art scene,” says Amit Sood, Founder and Director of Google Arts and Culture. “We are deeply committed to partnering with Greek institutions and artists to ensure that this vital, evolving artistic narrative is not only preserved digitally but also presented with the prominence it deserves to a global audience.”
Adam opens his heart to Eve in a full blow of primary colors by Alekos Fassianos.
Erotic encapsulates the importance of the human figure for Yannis Moralis even in his geometric phase
Textured layers of materials make the Wall (116/01) series by Kessanlis a true testimony of the informal art
With his personal style, Konstantinos Parthenis was able to transform his visions and ideas into paintings
Prepare your visit to the museums with a virtual tour
Step inside these iconic museums from anywhere in the world with Google Street View.
From the rooftop of EMST, home to contemporary Greek artworks, you can also take a look at the past to the Parthenon.
Enjoy the panoramic rooftop view from EMST, where you can spot the majestic Parthenon. Explore the newly renovated National Gallery in Athens and marvel at the contemporary masterpieces housed within MOMus in Thessaloniki and the Alex Mylona collection in Athens. With seven virtual tours to discover, you can prepare your next visit to these museums from home.
For an even more immersive experience, explore the Pocket Gallery, A World Without Blue, which brings these museums together under one virtual roof, accessible right from your phone!
Curious for more? Keep on discovering the secrets hidden in the brushstrokes and canvas of Greek art on the Google Arts & Culture website or our Android or iOS app.
