IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section B

Abstract

Constructed in 1845, the Damalas/Zervoudakis Mansion in Ermoupoli, Syros, Greece, is an exemplary neoclassical edifice situated near the vibrant Port of Ermoupoli. This historic mansion, during the Eyes Walk Digital Festival 2023, hosted the display of three innovative contemporary artworks, underscoring its integral role as a cultural heritage site. The primary objective of this study is to examine how the integration of contemporary art within the confines of the Damala House transforms both the structure and the visitor’s experience into a comprehensive heritage narrative. This transformation enables a sophisticated interplay among diverse spatial contexts, varying temporal dimensions, and multiple experiential modalities. The presentation will argue that this enriched heritage experience is facilitated by a curatorship grounded in sensory, affective, and meteorological elements, which collectively foster an immersive ‘atmospheric experience.’ This atmosphere, encapsulated by the concept of akairós—an antithesis to kairós—emphasizes the untimely, the dissonant, and the out of place, thereby expanding the understanding and appreciation of heritage through art. The study also explores how this approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also redefines the interaction between art and architectural heritage in a contemporary cultural context. Through meticulous curatorship, the mansion metamorphoses into a space that interweaves different temporalities and modes of being, providing a new lens through which to view both the artworks and the heritage site. The integration of art thus becomes a catalyst for reinterpreting and revitalizing historical narratives, highlighting the dynamic potential of heritage sites as platforms for contemporary cultural discourse.