Larnaca's Zouhouri Square to host Visual Rhythms artist-run space project

On September 2, Larnaka 2030 invites you to celebrate the arts and get to know the work of 25 local artists, who will present a collective artistic action in the public space of Zouhouri Square, combining different forms of creative expression such as participatory and visual arts, interactive games, poetry/music workshops and live music performances with the bands Kontovourkis & Co. and Taf Lak.

Entrance is open and free to everyone, a relevant announcement says.

FULL PROGRAMME

EXHIBITION

> ‘Visual Rhythms’ art exhibition in public space | 17:00 - 01:00

Artists: Stavroula Gregoriou, Christos Drakos, Elpida Matsentidou, Alexander Dadaev, Rona Mikellidou, Eirene Constantinou

EVOHK artist-run space presents ‘'Visual Rhythms', a group art exhibition which combines works of painting and sculpture in public spaces of Zouhouri Square. The artists created works that negotiate the thematic of visual rhythm: form as "timed movement through space",thus creating a common language that unites geometry with rhythm. In visual arts, as well as other art forms, they combine repetition as pauses to create a sense of rhythmic tempo. The application of similar or contrasting colors next to each other in a sequence or a series of shapes and lines, creates a directed flow in the artistic composition and as a result, this flow or movement creates the rhythm.

WORKSHOPS

> ‘Patterns Unearthed ’ collaborative painting/participatory workshop | 17:00-19:00

Artists: Stelios Tzivas, Sebastian Koukkides

In this collaborative project, two visual artists will join forces to co-create a design that draws inspiration from the intricate patterns and shapes found within Larnaka's cityscape and its rich archaeological heritage. The result will be a modern design that harmoniously blends historical inspiration with contemporary creativity, enriched by a festive color palette. This captivating artwork will adorn a grand 9 x 3 meters banner, becoming the central focal point behind the main music stage of the Visual Rhythms festival. As part of the experience, the creative duo will also lead an inclusive and interactive workshop open to everyone, regardless of prior experience in image making.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the techniques employed in crafting the larger banner, including experimental pattern making. This exploration will allow participants to create their own designs, echoing the thematic patterns, and transform them into unique small banners.

> Traditional Games Workshop for children | 19:00 - 20:00

Artist: Theodora Andreou

During the workshop, children will learn and play the traditional games of our country, which are usually revived during local celebrations and festivals (traditional games). Some of the traditional games that children will play are as named below Lura/Skala, Afka tou koloka, Kokkalo, Kattomuyia and others. While playing they will get to know other and cooperate.They will also be able to modify or develop the games by creating new rules or use alternative ways of playing.The workshop will be experiential and interactive. The purpose of the workshop is to make children aware of these games, while also use their imagination and creativity to invent new games. Through this process they will experience cooperation, teamwork as basic conditions of game, while also enjoying themselves.

> Music Workshop for children | 20:00 - 21:00

Artists: Irene Xatzisophokleous, Maria Xatzisophokleous

The music workshop is welcoming children aged 6-8, who will explore the magic of different cultures through rhythm and movement.

> Poetry Workshop | 20:00 - 21:00

Artist: Maria Kouvarou

During the poetry workshop, the participants will have the opportunity to create poems with Larnaca at their core. Examples of poems about the city, as well as photographs of various of its corners, will be used as “inspiration tools”. The poems will be read during the workshop and the participants will exchange feedback whereas, after the workshop, the poems will be “exhibited” (with the creators’ approval) as part of the backdrop of the main festival activity.

What you will need to join us: pen/pencil, paper, and your love for Larnaca

> ‘Percussion and Light Art’ music improvisation workshop/ light projection-live painting | 20:00-21:00

Artists: Maria Kramvi, Eirene Constantinou

The music improvisation workshop is open to all ages and invites participants to play music with percussion and drums to invent their own sonic rhythms and melodies as part of a collective action. At the same time, a painting improvisation and live light projection will attempt to visually show the rhythm that will be created, giving color and movement to public space. The activity aims to create an experimental environment for exploring creative expression and imagination as well as the synergies through art forms. The combination of musical and pictorial improvisation will give a special visual note to the whole project.

CONCERTS

> Live Music with Taf Lak | 22:00 - 23:30

Artists: Andreas Georgiou, Encarnita Io, Stavros Loizias, Loukia Lazarou, Dimitris Ioannou, Alexandros Komodromos

The band Taf Lak was formed in the summer of 2020, making their first show in 2021 at the Savino Live Venue in Larnaca. It is an alternative Band that performs songs from the Rock and Pop music scene, favorite pieces from the Greek music scene as well as English. During their journey, in March 2023 they successfully presented their first own song, "Trecho", live. Currently, Taf Lak are composing their music and preparing to present their next original songs soon.

> Live Music with Kontovourkis & Co. Act | 23:30 - 01:00

Artists: Michalis Kontovourkis, Panayiota Kontovourki, Stephanos Eliopoulos, Nikolas Fournaris, Mike Nicolaou, Duncan McCowan.

Kontovourkis & Co. is the upgraded offspring of the Michalis Kontovourkis Band, originally formed in 2018 after the release of "Ap' tin Arxi", the singer-songwriter's first album. The new lineup now features gifted sister Panayiota Kontovourki on violin and vocals and Mike Michael on keyboards.

These added elements enhance an already gutsy foundation made up of some of the best-known practitioners from the island's rock scene; Stephanos Eliopoulos on drums, Nikolas Fournaris on bass, Mike Nicolaou on lead guitar, Duncan McCowan on blues harp, trumpet and percussion, and Kontovourkis himself fronting the show on vocals, guitars and Tzoura. The set from this ever-evolving outfit grows and matures with every outing. It's becoming increasingly cross-over and eclectic. Firmly based on Kontovourkis originals drawing on a rich Greek rock/folk background, there are now Anglophone elements weaving in with strong country/bluegrass overtones and even nostalgic disco grooves. The whole rowdy melodic package amounts to a new and exciting musical brand for Cyprus with the joint writing talents of Kontovourkis and McCowan solidly at its centre.

• Organiser: Larnaka 2030
• Creative Team: Eirene Constantinou, Andreas Georgiou, Maria Kramvi
• Artistic Direction: EVOHK artist-run space

Please contact info@larnaka2030.eu for more information.