were it not for those who would be all too happy
were it not for those whom one would least suspect
were it not for those who would seize the opportunity
were it not for those who would handsomely profit
were it not for those who would gladly join in
were it not for those who would step forward to say were it not for those who would jump to take one’s place
were it not for those who would go to any length
were it not for the length to which they would go
were it not for those who would forget so quickly
were it not for those who would not let you forget
were it not for those seemingly without conscience

Κaktos Project is pleased to inaugurate its activities with a solo project by American artist Michael Ashkin. Michael Ashkin (b.1955) is the Chair of the Department of Art at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and his work has been included amongst others in Documenta 11 and the Whitney Biennial. Solo museum exhibitions include Secession, Vienna and the Weatherspoon Art Museum, University of North Carolina. Ashkin’s work is in the permanent collections of major museums including Whitney Museum of Art, New York, San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, Carnegie Museum of Art, MUDAM Luxembourg and others.

Ashkin’s work deals with issues of gentrification and how our notions of space and place are determined by wider political and economic forces. The opening will take place on Saturday 8 February from 12-4pm in the presence of the artist. A catalogue with a text by Bernard Yenelouis will accompany the exhibition.

About Kaktos Project

Kaktos Project is an independent artist-run space, founded by artist Caroline May in order to raise questions about the changing urban landscape of Athens and the forces of gentrification Kaktos Project, 38, Cheyden Street, Athens 10434, Greece www.kaktosproject.org with the aim to empower community and collective action, and communicate ideas about art and civic space through a series of exhibitions, talks and educational activities. The space is located in the centre of Athens, at 38, Cheyden street, in a highly contested area where questions of migration, regeneration and public space are foregrounded.

Kaktos Project is open every Saturday 11am – 4pm or by appointment
Address: 38, Cheyden Street, Athens 10434 Nearest tube: Victoria Square For press images please contact Caroline May at info@kaktosproject.org

The exhibition is generously supported by Eos gallery and Kostas Kyriakakis, and MACART