Nicolas Vamvouklis is an art curator from Greece who has always pursued his passion for art. He believes that art is something capable of inspiring but also an important means of communication, a powerful connection between people. Furthermore, Nicolas is currently involved in two different projects. The first one is School of Waters - Mediterranea 19 Young Artists Biennale in San Marino while the second one is Radium Palace at K-Gold Temporary Gallery in Lesvos island.
Hello Nicolas! Tell us something about you. How did you discover your passion for art?
I’m a contemporary art curator collaborating with museums, galleries, and biennials across Europe. Ever since I can remember myself, art and culture have always been a huge inspiration. I always enjoyed exhibitions and dance performances… and I’m obsessed with art magazines. I started to become more interested in exhibition-making after visiting a massive show on American abstract expressionism in Milan.
What does art mean to you and what role does it play in your life?
Art has the power to stimulate and inspire; it’s a tool for collective development and coexistence. I think we should find new ways to re-establish the connection between art and the society. We need more shared spaces of exchange where art could be accessible and an integral part of people’s daily lives.
What’s your inspiration when creating a new project?
I usually start from the context, I try to understand which are the challenges and possibilities, the needs of the public but also my own vision within it. My approach involves research into diverse fields; inspiration often comes from literature or music references that blend with current events. I spent much time going through digital archives and collections. I know I’m on the right way when unexpected connections start to appear.
You are the director of K-Gold Temporary Gallery. What kind of works does your gallery collect?
K-Gold Temporary Gallery is a non-collecting institution. It is a non-profit space that brings contemporary art to the community of Lesvos Island in Greece through exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and publications. We often commission new work, to both established and emerging international artists, who relate to the local context.
“Art has the power to stimulate and inspire”
What is your concept of daring in art?
In my opinion, it’s taking risks and keeping going; believing in your ideas and reaching out to new audiences.
In your opinion, what does make an artist unique and different from all the others?
I admire human creativity and ingenuity…artists are very complex beings and each one works in their own unique way. It needs time and devotion to figure out how and who to connect with. I marvel at the artists who have an intuitive, spiritual process based on their instinct and inner awareness.
“Taking risks and keeping going; believing in your ideas and reaching out to new audiences”
Tell us something about your experience from the “Imago Mundi” project that brings together artworks from Luciano Benetton’s travels from around the world
It is a “sui generis” collection of thousands of artworks from literally every corner of the globe. I had the chance to work for the development of Gallerie delle Prigioni – a former Hapsburg prison in Treviso renovated by Tobia Scarpa that housed re-interpretations of the collection through a series of exhibitions. The project is now evolving in alternative formats and I’m regularly contributing with online artists’ talks and interviews.
What are you currently working on?
I’m co-curating Mediterranea 19 Biennale in San Marino featuring more than 70 young artists. “School of Waters” serves the purpose of overcoming the stereotypes that manipulate our geographical imaginings. I’m also working on the autumn show of K-Gold Temporary Gallery that will focus on art as a healing force for developing a future of social coexistence.
“I admire human creativity and ingenuity…artists are very complex beings and each one works in their own unique way”
Image 1: Always wear your best, Publication edited by Nicolas Vamvouklis, K-Gold Temporary Gallery, 2019
Image 2: Go straight until you find the sea, Exhibition curated by Suzanna Petot, K-Gold Temporary Gallery, 2021
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Nicolas Vamvouklis