Pink House press: I think I should stay here

Photo: Pink House press

Under the title “I think I should stay here”, we want to continue our research on sustainable practices, related to our long-term project “One space becoming another: What spaces do we need for the future?”.

The transition of our project-space from Antwerp (Belgium) to Syros (Greece) gave us a new perspective as we shifted our practice to methods related to self-build, water harvesting, wild edible plants, natural farming, and understanding the local ecosystem.

We are at a point where we have to work in two parallel ways. One is to infiltrate the island (stay here) and continue our work within the needs of the local community, creating a space in which we can host different practices. The other is to expand our network, share our research, and make connections outside of the island’s locality.

Developing a space and creating printed matter along the way (zines, journals, books, marmalades) is an integral part of our practice. We see these two methods as complementary strategies for creating space and generating conversations. Our way of publishing is something we often do collectively. It is a hands-on process where everyone is welcome to think with us towards the spaces/initiatives we need for the future and how we can make them happen.

Throughout the residency, Pink House press will function as an open laboratory, a platform that can bring people together, and a temporary, open, and accessible office. Each publication will be open for discussion and exchange during informal meetings or a public launch for a wider audience.

Creators' note

Titled “I Think I Should Stay Here”, our exploration delved into the intricate dynamics of establishing roots and remaining rooted within a specific location, exemplified by our experience on Syros Island, where we are in the process of setting up a space. Meanwhile, part of this process involves acknowledging the significance of broadening our horizons beyond the confines of the island.

At the core of our approach lies a strong commitment to fostering symbiosis with all stakeholders and crafting a sustainable model that emphasizes human connections, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. We firmly believe that by nurturing meaningful relationships and adopting a holistic approach to our project, we could make a positive contribution not only to our immediate environment (the island) but also to the broader community. To sustain our island initiatives, we have been producing “editions” of fig marmalade using fruit from our trees. The sales of these jars, featuring labels designed by Pink House Press or collaborators, have funded the construction of our space, transforming fig jam into a “publication” and a vital part of our practice. Making marmalade not only serves as a means of funding but also as an invitation to share and connect.

During our two-month stay at Onassis AiR, we initiated discussions with fellow residents and other professionals, aiming to enrich dialogue on sustainable and regenerative living, community development, and cultural exchange. While actively involved in project activities in Syros and Belgium, we identified a gap in our connections with similar initiatives in Athens. To bridge this gap, we engaged in discussions with a wide range of individuals connected to the local scene.

The first phase of these conversations occurred at various locations and started with the intention of collectively imagining a future art space on the island, using our space under construction as a point of reflection. We conversed with fellow residents such as Peter Miller (poet) and Eva Vaslamatzi (independent curator), along with other art professionals like Marou Hatzopoulou (head of the AKTES project), Christina Kotsilelou (designer, chef), Evita Tsokanta (independent curator, educator), and Andreas Sell (Hermitage Sikaminea).

The second phase took the form of a jam workshop set up for a week in the atrium of Onassis AiR. We created jam together with invited guests including Dimitra Kondylatou (visual artist, filmmaker), Michailangelos Vlassis Ziakas (visual artist, filmmaker), Laure Jaffuel (visual artist, designer) and ARCAthens residents (residency program), Eleanna Bata (architecture student) and the Trofy Lab, Georgia Manousogiannaki and Eirini Vallindra (ecologists, architects, educators), and Evita Tsokanta (independent curator). To facilitate these discussions, we installed a temporary kitchen in the atrium, utilizing a tent designed to provide shade and shelter the cooking area underneath. The leaf-shaped tent served as a platform for fostering connections and facilitating discussions, with our approach revolving around the communal act of making jam together. This hands-on activity aimed to cultivate a relaxed and informal environment conducive to deep and meaningful conversations. The interactive and inclusive setting transformed the atrium into a hub of exchange, where diverse perspectives converged, ideas were shared, and everyone was welcome to join.

The jam made during this week was potted in small jars and distributed to the audience during a discussion led by Evita Tsokanta on Onassis AiR Open Day #8, continuing our ongoing conversation about the evolution of our practice on the island. The jam featured a label designed by Pink House Press and was accompanied by two poems by Peter Miller inspired by the ingredients.

In conclusion, our time in Athens was a journey of exploration, collaboration, and personal growth. It strengthened our commitment to sustainable practices and community involvement, expanding our network and creative perspectives. Moving forward, we continue our efforts to create spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and meaningful change. During our two-month stay, we reflected on whether “being in a place” (staying somewhere) feels more like a methodology or a state of mind rather than a physical state.