binding the traces, 2016

Single edition handmade, artist book, tracing paper and ink, 38 x 15 x 8 cm, embroidery with white color thread on white cotton fabric, 70 x 85 cm.

In 27 December 1899, George Afentakis (coming from Kimolos island in Cyclades) let a testament of 100.000 gold drachmas for the construction and maintenance of an asylum for the poor, abandoned and shipwrecked elders. The Asylum for the Poor, later called Afentakeio, was designed in 1932 by the architect Georgios Dragasikis and the construction was complete in 1950. In 2013, after 63 consecutive years of operation and 114 years after Afentakis’ testament, the board of Afentakeio legacy decided to suspend the operation of the nursing home in Kimolos, because of financial difficulties.

For the interactive installation titled trace over [a space in 100 pieces], the original 1932 Afentakeio nursing home floor plan by Georgios Dragasikis was enlarged and then broken down to 100 pieces. In August 2015, visitors and residents of Kimolos’ village were invited to interact by tracing over the deconstructed parts of the terrace plan, on pieces of wood, using pens, pencils and carbon. A total of 100 people participated, capturing their different kinds of line-traces. Finally, the wooden puzzle was re-assembled by visitors and passers-by on the floor of the Watchman bar, in Kimolos. For more information and documentation on this interactive installation follow this link.

In the summer of 2016, the 100 tracing papers, including the 100 different traces, were bound into a handmade book, presenting all personalized writing styles. This single edition book is specifically hand bound in collaboration with the bookbinder Eva Biza. Simultaneously, the original floor plan turned into a white on white, cotton, handmade, collective embroidery, size 85 x 70 cm. It was complete in three days by residents and artists working together around the village’s square and installed at the “Niko’s balcony” tavern.

Many thanks to the municipality of Kimolos island for the concession of the original floor plan as well as this project’s participants and supporters!

Starting points, 1 building, 3 sculptures and 1 documentary, organized and curated by Andriani Ventouri & Maria Gouveli, Kimolos island, Greece.
Art Walk, Terra Firma, organized and curated by Andriani Ventouri & Maria Gouveli, Kimolos island, Greece.