Stories Born from Water: The “Nereids & Naiads” Exhibition

Encouraging a return to the exploration of bodies of water, the “Nereids and Naiads” exhibition, curated by Leah Gennaraki, aims to disrupt our daily humdrum.

The element is central to the Mediterranean region in particular, where many of the participating artists originate from. The exhibition pays tribute to the importance of the water, which, in many ways, has been overlooked - ‘“chronically consumed” by the busyness of life. 

The “allegory of the nymphs”, intended by Gennaraki to symbolize the memories and stories associated with bodies of water, connects olden tales with modern concepts surrounding nature and its role in the contemporary world. The exhibition can be viewed online from March 20 until the 19th of May. It brings together artists from all around Europe, offering them a chance to present their perspectives on bodies of water and imbue its cultural significance with new meanings.

Many look at bodies of water as an opportunity for storytelling - delving into the mystical nature of water, its rich history and all that is hidden underneath. The sea replenishes our fantasies, as we “[face] the unknown mainly by creating stories and creatures”, says Dimitris Voyazoglou. At times, great bodies of water evoke our fear parallel to curiosity, demonstrating a play on emotions artists seek to evoke in their depictions. “This fear stems from confronting the unknown” Adorni argues, introducing an overarching theme frequently discussed in this exhibition: that of the subconscious. 

Whether through depictions of dreams, experiences or remembrances, the artists seek to bring water to life. Anya Adorni, who grew up in California yet originally comes from Italy, favors the surrealist expression of nature through oil paint, often alluding to the experiences of women in society. Upon being asked about her contribution to the conversation on bodies of water, she says:

And so, canvases are demonstrated as reflections, water as a mirror by Dimitris Voyazoglou, and paintings as portals by Anya Adorni.

In line with the theme, Kaatje van Middelkoop draws an analogy between the fluidity of the female form and the movements of water, prompting reflections on "how to blend the natural fluidity found in water with the more static motions often observed in humans". The relationship between man and water is explored through the unseen, an imaginative creation, as well as through the juxtaposition of fast-paced routines and serenity - creating various roles for water in our lives. Are rivers and seas to be contemplated from afar or do they rather constitute an integral part of our lives?

Such questions are meant to demonstrate the multifaceted nature of water, depicted in the “Nereids & Naiads” exhibition as a source of fear, a historical institution, a cultural mark, a lively creature and much more. Mostly, bodies of water seem to have pushed the boundaries of our perception to great depths, due to its vastness, its riches and the power it holds over our livelihoods. And yet, it seems many shapes of water have been forgotten, denounced as trivial pursuits and set aside, “the idea of water buried in the urban maze” (Gennaraki) - something the artworks seek to remind of. In their variety, they offer a comprehensive expression of water and (its) life, and perhaps, most importantly, of that which we are asked to reconsider. 

Viewers can expect to be challenged in their understanding of themselves and their surroundings, and attempt to dive into depictions of the sea and all which it represents as to find alternative meanings. “I’d like for them to envision what lies behind the visible” says Gennaraki, adding “I hope it will draw attention to the diversity and adversity of cultural development in the Mediterranean”.

Visit the exhibition here!