La Bataille de Vins: A Unique Art and Wine Experience in Lania
The scenic village of Lania, known for its artistic heritage and wine-making traditions, is set to host an exceptional international exhibition titled La Bataille de Vins (“The Battle of Wines”). This event, which will be held in various locations across the village, kicks off this Sunday, offering visitors a journey through Cyprus’ rich viniculture history and contemporary artistic interpretations.
At the opening ceremony at 4pm, Mimis Sophocleous, the Director of Patticheion Municipal Museum and Historical Archives and Research Centre of Limassol, will deliver a welcoming speech to officially launch the event.
An Artistic Dive into Viniculture
A total of 15 artists from Cyprus, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, and Malta will present their work in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Though the title and theme of the event are inspired by Henri d’Andeli’s poem La Bataille des Vins, which recounts the first-ever wine competition held by King Philip II of France, this exhibition offers a deeper exploration of wine culture.
Rather than adhering to traditional interpretations of Cypriot wine culture, the artists aim to challenge established views and create new dialogues. Through their work, they reimagine viniculture practices and spaces, presenting innovative ideas that encourage fresh perspectives on this ancient craft.
Lania, with its reputation for art, hospitality, and wine, serves as an ideal backdrop for this immersive exhibition. Various locations throughout the village will showcase a diverse array of unconventional installations and collaborative art pieces, transforming Lania into a living gallery until December 1.
Exploring the Exhibition Spaces
The exhibition spans six locations in Lania, each featuring distinct works of art. With the help of provided maps, visitors can explore these spaces, which include:
- The Old Police Station, where three artists present their works
- The Klelia Hadjiioannou Event Venue
- The Traditional Kafeneio, displaying a collection of drawings
Beyond the central village square, three other key spaces can be discovered:
- The Traditional Wine Press
- The Folklore Museum, hosting a video projection
- The Olive Press
As visitors explore, they will encounter the works of Evelyn Anastasiou (Cyprus), Klitsa Antoniou (Cyprus), Adonis Volanakis (Greece), Jake Chapman (UK), Elina Ioannou (Cyprus), Stelios Kallinikou (Cyprus), Melita Couta (Cyprus), Phanos Kyriacou (Cyprus), Niamh O’Malley (Ireland), Natacha Antão Moutinho (Portugal), and Alexandros Psychoulis (Greece).
Scholarly Contributions and Exhibition Curators
The exhibition is enriched by contextual and theoretical texts provided by Dr Gabriel Koureas (Cyprus), Dr Niki Young (Malta), and Dr Prokopis Christou (Cyprus). The organizational and curatorial aspects have been overseen by George Lazoglou (Cyprus), while the concept, research, and artistic direction are led by Klitsa Antoniou (Cyprus).
Hospitality and the Future of Cypriot Viniculture
Focusing on the themes of hospitality, Commandaria wine, and Cypriot viniculture, the exhibition serves as a voyage through time, looking not only at the historical significance of wine in Cyprus but also at its future and the evolving identity of the island.
As the organizers note, archaeological findings indicate that winemaking in Cyprus dates back to 3500 BC, making it an essential part of the island’s cultural identity. This relationship between Cypriot history and wine has shaped the island’s development and continues to influence its future.
La Bataille de Vins: Exhibition Details
The international group exhibition La Bataille de Vins will be open from October 27 to December 1 in Lania village, located in the Limassol district. Visitors can attend during the following times: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm or by appointment.
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