Setting the Averoff straight
Since an article by A. Koroxenidou, titled «The Averoff opens its doors to modern exhibitions,» in Kathimerini English Edition on February 1, 2002, creates the false impression that the artistic events which took place in the Naval Museum of Hydra last summer, and the recent exhibition of contemporary art titled «The Crew of Another Time» held on the battleship Averoff were the ideas of other people, allow me to set the record straight. In late 2000, I took part in a meeting concerning the organization of an exhibition of various objects from the Averoff at the Naval Museum of Hydra. After discussion, it was decided that the exhibition be held in the manner I had suggested, and I was given the task of curating it. None of the others who participated in this meeting had any specific idea as to what character the exhibition should have or how it should be implemented. Following the success of the exhibition at the Naval Museum of Hydra, I suggested to the captain of the Averoff, Rear Admiral Aristotelis Dimitsas, that there be an exhibition of works by contemporary artists on the battleship Averoff. This proposal was accepted by Dimitsas, and was approved by the naval officials concerned. Thirteen artists, myself included, participated in the exhibitions. And this exhibition, which was entirely my idea and which I curated, was a great success and received wide coverage in the press. Nephele Kontarini – Philopappou, Athens Alexandra Koroxenidis replies: In comments regarding the curating of the exhibit «The Crew of Another Time» on the historical battleship Averoff, Nephele Kontarini mentioned that she had experienced difficulties in dealing with the Greek Navy, which owns the battleship. I mentioned this in an article on the exhibition but Ms Kontarini subsequently seemed to have forgotten she made this comment. Rear Admiral Aristotelis Dimitsas contacted me and asked most courteously why I had made such a point. To correct any misunderstandings, I then wrote an article on the various exhibits that the Greek Navy has organized. Ms Kontarini did curate the Averoff exhibition, as was mentioned in the first article, but her role in the Hydra exhibition was secondary. Both were organized by the navy.
