What I can see

The sculpture Birds is located on dock 1 of the port. It is a composition of stainless sheet metal, Plexiglas, water tanks and LED lighting. It functions as a resting area and as a fountain; it is 5m high and 17m long. The birds are formed through the piercing of the sheet metal and the corresponding placement of Plexiglas. The sculpture is being constantly vandalized with tags and slogans. The fountain does not work, therefore, the sculpture de facto acquires more utilitarian value than artistic. The location also advocates in this direction. While the upward perspective of the sculpture’s lines created an interesting perspective towards the sea, the sky and the horizon, the recent transfer of the destroyer Velos II interrupts this dialogue between landscape and sculpture, and the destroyer’s enormous volume creates a suffocating environment for the sculpture.

What I can't see

It was created by Stavros Panagiotakis, in collaboration with architect Kyriaki Oudatzi. In addition to its artistic aspect, the sculpture’s purpose is to be a place of rest and tranquility for the visitors of the port and its museums, especially when the port is rather crowded, such as during the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.

Info

• Address: Port

Bibliography