The Greek Monsters

“Greek Monsters” Exhibition extended till 31/03

The Beetroot Design Group and the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art present the three-dimensional sculptures exhibition “The Greek Monsters”, featuring the Minotaur, the Cyclops, the Stymphalian birds and the rest of the bizarre creatures that haunted heroes’ deeds in ancient Greek mythology.

The exhibition consists of installations, sculptures, figurines, stencil graffiti (resembling a contemporary frieze), but also “invisible” monsters that can be perceived only with the use of audio–visual technology. All exhibits are inspired by the vivid ancient Greek mythology and are designed in a neo-black-figured style, especially developed by Beetroot. Next to each exhibit  -instead of the typical information tag about the monster’s history and origin or the artefact’s make- a text cites an original poem on the design philosophy or practice the exhibit stands for.

On the October 8th 2011, Beetroot was awarded with the red dot communication design award as the Agency of the Year for 2011. The prestigious prize was awarded for the first time in its history to an agency based in any other place than Germany. As part of its celebrated victory, Beetroot was asked to design an exhibition that would be the main event of the red dot communication design awards exhibition 2011. The “Greek Monsters” were thus created and presented to the public in two highly successful exhibitions, first in Berlin and then in the Benaki Museum, Athens (April-June 2012).

The idea stemmed from the book The misunderstood monsters of Greek Mythology by Anastasia Tentokali, where the original myths are coupled by the monsters’ own version of their story. Beetroot created the “Greek Monsters” as a humorous response to the current ill socio-economical image of modern Greece, as this is largely presented in the media around the globe, while presenting key philosophical stands and practices in design. The Greek Monsters are used with their dual meaning both as perpetrators and victims, and ultimately as contemporary symbols against racism, generalization and exclusion. In a time where Greece is arguably Europe’s new “Monster”, Beetroot accepts this “label” but only to reverse (or even add to) its meaning: Beetroot’s Greek Monsters aim at re-inventing and re-introducing a Greek creative identity that is both timeless and global.

Be(a)ware of “The Greek Monsters”!

Opening times:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10:00-18:00
Wednesday 10:00-22:00
Friday 10:00-19:00
Sunday 10:00-15:00

Ticket prices:
4€ (full). Free and reduced price admissions apply.

The Greek Monsters – MMCA, Thessaloniki Tv Spot from Beetroot Design Group on Vimeo.