Contemporary Art in a Historical Landmark: Viskadourakis Nikos at the Basilica of Saint Mark, Heraklion

Walking into the Basilica of Saint Mark in Heraklion city (Greece), you instantly feel the weight of history. Built in the Venetian era, the space has hosted centuries of stories, and gatherings. Today, it stands not only as a monument of the past but also as a living stage for culture. You may have seen some of my several posts featuring artists and their works in this space.

A few days ago I visited Heraklion and in this place I encountered the works of Nikos Viskadourakis, a contemporary artist whose abstract creations transform the historic walls into something new.

The centuries-old stone, the echoes of the basilica, and the silent power of abstraction come together in harmony. And something I have discovered today is that the artist's very first exhibition took place in this same place, back in the past in 1973 source

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Tthe Municipal Art Gallery, since the 28th of August, hosts the exhibition of Nikos Viskadourakis titled “Mr. Hyde in Front of His Mirror” where visitors will be able to admire until the 15th October.

The exhibition presents two main series of works. The first, “Mr. Hyde in Front of His Mirror”, reflects on inner conflict and the impact of recent social challenges such as the financial crisis and the pandemic. The second, “Odysseus in Hades”, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, explores trauma and memory through expressive, often dramatic forms.

Together, the collections create a dialogue between myth, contemporary experience, and the timeless human struggle with identity and survival.

Source and further info in Greek

In the words of Professor Stefanakis who is the curator of the Exhibition:

In the current exhibition at the Basilica of St. Mark, Viskadourakis presents his –epic, autobiographical– work from recent years, a kind of Odyssey for a traveler, that is primarily marked by the experiences of the economic crisis on one hand and of the pandemic and its subsequent lockdown on the other.

Flattened and trapped humanoids that suffocate with no escape, as if wrapped in a terrifying cellophane of cold, opaque colors–cries, either pressured by the economic –psychological in essence– impoverishment, or terrorized by the specter of an everpresent death.**

Prof. Manos Stefanidis
July 2025

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Lets admire some of the artists work

I have always admired abstract art. It is not easy for me to always understand what the artists meant exactly, but I think that from the colors and the lines tension, we can feel what he felt during the process.

The exhibition showcases a variety of colors and styles, yet it is visually clear that all the works carry the signature of the same artist.

I am always drawn to the vivid colors, I try to see the vision of the artist.
These works were crafted during the Pandemic, so it is important to see the creative process of an artist and how he percieved what was going on.

As we go up the stairs (there was a nice carpet here, but it is obviously removed to be washed?) we can see a panoramic view of how the exhibition stands.

The exhibition “The Decent of Odysseus into Hades”, is inspired by Homer’s Odyssey and explores trauma and memory through dramatic forms.

This was one of the very impressive pieces, but also hard to watch for a long time as it evoked very strong feelings.

This building is very special it is worth a very detailed post with images about all its corners. In the upper two corners, the visitor can see a piano but also the tombs of Venetian Dukes. (Did I spark your curiosity now?)

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In Viskadourakis’s work we see a freedom in his art. We see a freedom that is emotional. One of the things I admire about abstract is that it removes barriers. It allows to feel and to sense what comes into our heart. Each of us can bring our own thoughts, experiences, and emotions,creating a dialogue between history and the present.

What are your thoughts on abstract art?

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It is important to use historical places not only as museums, but also as bridges to today’s creativity.

Blending our heritage and art, helps us reflect on who we are, where we come from, and how we continue to create meaning in the present.