NEW YORK – Ethan Cohen Gallery is honored to present “NOSTOS,” the first solo exhibition in New York by HRH Prince Nikolaos of Greece, curated by Marilena Koutsoukou. The exhibition will be open to the public from June 5 through July 13, 2024.
“NOSTOS” features a captivating blend of ethereal black and white photography and luminous marble. Prince Nikolaos employs a unique technique of printing abstract and elemental images directly onto marble, inviting viewers to explore the ephemeral space between the tangible and the visionary. This innovative method immerses the audience in the essence of Greek sculpture, capturing the beauty of sand, sea, and light in timeless artistry.
The title “NOSTOS” draws from Greek literature and mythology, encapsulating themes of homecoming and return. This concept is deeply embedded in Greek culture and resonates in the epic poems of Homer, particularly “The Odyssey.” The exhibition explores themes of longing, belonging, and the search for identity, reflecting Prince Nikolaos’s journey of self-discovery and remembrance.
Prince Nikolaos’s work frequently depicts the natural beauty of the Greek landscape, exploring his connection to the environment. “NOSTOS” serves as a medium to reconnect with the land, sea, and sky, evoking a profound sense of place and belonging. This holds particular significance for Greeks in the diaspora, who navigate questions of identity, belonging, and displacement. Through his art, Prince Nikolaos addresses these themes by focusing on images of the Greek sky, sea, light, and earth, creating new narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.
The exhibition also includes limited-edition design pieces created in collaboration with Stefanidou Tsoukala Gallery and Alexandra Stratou, seamlessly merging photography and design. By printing on marble, a technique unique to him, Prince Nikolaos pushes the boundaries of photography and modern digital printing, blending the natural elements of Greece with a touch of antiquity. Paired with new black and white photographs on paper, these artworks emphasize form and composition, drawing the viewer’s attention to the fundamental elements of the pieces.
“NOSTOS” promises to offer visitors a dynamic dialogue between eloquent monochromatic marble photographs and innovative design pieces, inviting them to explore the intersection of aesthetics and functionality.
HRH Prince Nikolaos of Greece: “NOSTOS”
Curated by Marilena Koutsoukou
225 West 17th Street, New York
June 5 – July 13, 2024