A temporary exhibition of ancient and contemporary pyxides at the Archaeological Museum of MesseniaPyxides — a very common type of vessel in antiquity — were used to store jewelry and other precious objects, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Pyxides dating from the prehistoric period to the Hellenistic era have been unearthed in numerous archaeological sites throughout Messenia. Today, many are exhibited in the museums and archaeological collections of the region, while others remain preserved in archaeological storerooms. Artists Ilias Christopoulos and Manos Kalamenios draw inspiration from these ancient vessels to create their own fascinating contemporary interpretations. Their proposal to exhibit their works at the Archaeological Museum of Messenia was warmly embraced, as it aligns perfectly with the priority of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messenia (EFA Messenias) to open its archaeological sites and museums to contemporary artistic creation and to encourage a fruitful dialogue between ancient and modern works of art. The inclusion of ancient pyxides, either on loan from regional museums or brought from the archaeological storerooms, enriches this exhibition by strengthening the dialogue between past and present and by presenting to the public the evolution, function, and decoration of these remarkably elegant vessels of antiquity.Pyxides — a very common type of vessel in antiquity — were used to store jewelry and other precious objects, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Pyxides dating from the prehistoric period to the Hellenistic era have been unearthed in numerous archaeological sites throughout Messenia. Today, many are exhibited in the museums and archaeological collections of the region, while others remain preserved in archaeological storerooms. Artists Ilias Christopoulos and Manos Kalamenios draw inspiration from these ancient vessels to create their own fascinating contemporary interpretations. Their proposal to exhibit their works at the Archaeological Museum of Messenia was warmly embraced, as it aligns perfectly with the priority of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messenia (EFA Messenias) to open its archaeological sites and museums to contemporary artistic creation and to encourage a fruitful dialogue between ancient and modern works of art. The inclusion of ancient pyxides, either on loan from regional museums or brought from the archaeological storerooms, enriches this exhibition by strengthening the dialogue between past and present and by presenting to the public the evolution, function, and decoration of these remarkably elegant vessels of antiquity.Pyxides — a very common type of vessel in antiquity — were used to store jewelry and other precious objects, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Pyxides dating from the prehistoric period to the Hellenistic era have been unearthed in numerous archaeological sites throughout Messenia. Today, many are exhibited in the museums and archaeological collections of the region, while others remain preserved in archaeological storerooms. Artists Ilias Christopoulos and Manos Kalamenios draw inspiration from these ancient vessels to create their own fascinating contemporary interpretations. Their proposal to exhibit their works at the Archaeological Museum of Messenia was warmly embraced, as it aligns perfectly with the priority of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messenia (EFA Messenias) to open its archaeological sites and museums to contemporary artistic creation and to encourage a fruitful dialogue between ancient and modern works of art. The inclusion of ancient pyxides, either on loan from regional museums or brought from the archaeological storerooms, enriches this exhibition by strengthening the dialogue between past and present and by presenting to the public the evolution, function, and decoration of these remarkably elegant vessels of antiquity.
03/11/2023