11/03/2009: The opening of Greek sculptress Mary Papaconstantinos' exhibition was held in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday 10 March 2009. The event was a joint initiative by Greek MEPs Rodi Kratsa - Tsagaropoulou, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou.
The successful exhibition, entitled 'The abduction of Europe' - relating the story of Europe and inspired by Greek mythology - which has its roots deep in prehistoric times, was supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture.
The opening gathered numerous MEPs from different Member States, EU officials and representatives of diplomatic services. In a declaration by the Greek Minister of Culture Antonis Samaras, the Minister congratulated the artist and underlined the symbolic character of the work through which "Europeans explore the origins of their cultural identity".
Mrs Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou expressed her respect for the works of Mrs Papaconstantinos, and also her commitment to European ideals. The artist was elected Greek Woman of Europe 1989-1990, consequently becoming member of the International Institution of the Women of Europe prize, established by the EU. Moreover, Mrs Papaconstantinos was awarded the medal of the City of Strasbourg in 1990, and also received medals from the cities of Athens and Paris in 1994.
"A contemporary art exhibition in the European Parliament referring to an Ancient theme highlights the universally optimistic message delivered by the Ancient Greek tradition through European History. The prospect of the stabile ascension of the EU and the citizens' central position within its policies, offer the necessary strength in order to go beyond the various crises and grant hope of a successful outcome of the EU's evolution. Apart from its institutional function, the European Parliament offers the opportunity to European citizens to communicate through art", declared Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou.
The exhibition can be visited until Thursday 12 March 2009 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg (Louise Weiss, Galerie Sud, 1st floor).
For further information, Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
Posts
