Taking the classical definition of Freedom and its historical importance in the current vague as a starting point, FREEDOM! – what the past tells the future? is the artistic convergence of two students and three tutors from ASP Lodz in Poland and fifteen students from Athens School of Fine Arts. During an intensive workshop that took place in Athens School of Fine Arts, the artists interacted with each other’s practices and working methods, while they experienced a productive collaboration by learning and creating together under the same conceptual framework.
Poland and Greece are about to celebrate the anniversary of regaining their independence. In 2018, Poland will celebrate the 100th anniversary of regaining its sovereignty and in 2021 Greece will celebrate the 200th anniversary. The concept of Freedom has continually played a decisive role in the formation of the historical identity on both of these countries.
The body of work created in this workshop showcases the individuals’ interpretation of Freedom as it is realized in the subjective contemporary life. The “Millennials” have a different perspective as far as the meaning of Freedom is concerned, while they experience Freedom as a status quo. – They are born in liberated countries, they live in a free media environment, the experience an ease of communication and mobility, they have the potential ability to expressing their creativity and they are constantly active on social media. – However, in the era of advanced technology, the constant debate about Freedom is producing different layers of approaches concerning the reality of its true meaning.
Through the process of this workshop, the participating artists are requested to investigate the reflection of Freedom in various aspects of life and the ways in which an artist or a designer can socially impact the future generations. In the era we live in, in which consumerism and corruption are present in various social structures, what are the risks imposed by celebrating the notion of freedom in the contemporary state of fast design?

Organised by Art Academy in Athens, Polish Embassy in Athens
Conducted by Pedagogues of the Academy of Fine Arts in Lodz
Participants: Athens School of Fine Arts, ASP Lodz
Coordinated By George Stamatakis
Curated by Odette Kouzou