On an island known for its famous – or non – visitors’ eccentric lifestyle, art historian and curator Marina Vranopoulou is ever present proposing her own art platform. Mykonos hits new high records in tourist arrivals and offers high art as well. And Dio Horia seem to win the day.
It’s been two years this summer since Dio Horia first opened. What have you learned so far? Which experiences you keep and which ones you choose to leave behind? Which was the happiest moment?
Those past two years taught me how to turn my knowledge and passion for modern art to business. I keep the many new friends, collaborators, artists and art lovers close to my heart and I choose to leave behind any difficulty I encountered. Having created a platform with a unique identity in a place where there was nothing like this, it’s a big deal for me as well.
Which was the project’s biggest success?
That we managed to establish artists we discovered, like Olga Miliaresi-Phoka, Maja Djorjdevic and Aleksandar Todorovic who all have participated in art fairs across the world.
Hydra, Nisiros, Tinos and Mykonos; many international art projects on so many islands. How would you describe this trend?
The light, the culture and the architecture of the islands can inspire anyone belonging to the art crowd. The purpose of a work of art is to communicate and travel – aside from the artist – with everyone who mostly tend to use the islands’ setting as an inspiration and a basis to create.
I imagine that the Dio Horia, besides the artistic, worldwide recognition, it aims at a financial stability. Is there any buying interest? And if yes, it’s Greek or foreign buyers? Collectors or tourists?
Yes, there’s buying interest. Our clients are almost entirely Greek and international collectors.
In 2016, more than five-thousand people visited Dio Horia. We also read some rave reviews in international publications such as The Economist, the New York Times and the Art Forum among others. What are your goals from now on?
We want to develop even more our publishing program and to be present at international art events.
Which is your favourite spot in Mykonos and who is your most beloved Mykonian?
My favourite spot is the Dio Horia rooftop, yellow bar. Speaking of my favourite Mykonians, there are plenty;Irini who prepares our meals in Nautilus, mr. Nikos who drives us around with his tricycle, Nikitas who plays with my sons on Kalafatis beach and so many others we work with and enjoy our vacations together, for nearly thirty years now.
Interview: Yorgos Kelefis
