Για Ελληνικά

The Office of Hydrocommons, the curatorial platform established by Eleni Riga in collaboration with Atopos Unbound under the artistic direction of Vassilis Zidianakis, is happy to present a series of actions entitled Fishy Democracy on July 7th, 2024 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Keratsini Sea Food Market. These actions delve into interspecies democracy, offering innovative perspectives on democracy and ecology.

In the face of impending ecological crises, the notion of interspecies democracy disrupts the idea that democratic participation is exclusive to humans. Instead, it envisions new modes of self-governance, communication and holistic coexistence among all species. Fishy Democracy endeavors to establish a temporary democracy of waters, fish and fishermen, advocating for an inclusive and sustainable approach to governance.

The modular actions in Fishy Democracy include:

At 8 pm AMVRAKIA.BLUES: Artist Panos Charalambous and his collaborator guitarist/singer/multi-instrumentalist/producer Angelos Krallis transform a fishing boat made from Pinus heldreichii from Lake Amvrakia – used in shallow lagoons – into a unique musical instrument. AMVRAKIA.BLUES is an exploration of ancestral origins, a fusion of artistic and ethno-acoustic endeavors to listen to one’s birthplace. The barcarole incorporates sounds linked to fishing and activities conducted on the boat, informed by the avant-garde and modernity. At the same time, their sound performance will create a conversation among all water bodies, symbolizing the interconnectedness of aquatic ecosystems. This performance underscores the fluidity and porousness of water. Courtesy of the artist and CITRONNE Gallery.

At 9 pm Foraging the Tideline: Artist and designer Lily Consuelo Saporta Tagiuri, in collaboration with scientist Manos Bazanis, presents a performative tasting featuring edible endemic halophytes – plants that thrive in saline soils. The halophytes, foraged by the collaborators themselves, showcase the power of foraging techniques and empirical knowledge. During the tasting, participants will learn about the characteristics and benefits of these remarkable plants, along with methods for foraging and preparation. This experience underscores the resilience of halophytes and their potential to support sustainable agricultural practices in saline environments, blending art, science and sustainability in an engaging and educational format.

Click here for the Fishy Democracy brochure:

Fishy democracy

Fishy Democracy takes place in the framework of the 3-day action programme entitled WHAT WE OWE DEMOCRACY, a co-production of the Athens Festival and the Epidaurus and Municipal Theatre of Piraeus.