Lavrio: Reactions over new sculpture placed near the “Woman of Makronisos” memorial

The recent placement of a new sculpture on the Lavrio pier has sparked reactions, with the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece (EETE) calling on the Municipality of Lavreotiki to reconsider its location.

The sculpture depicts a nude woman looking toward Makronisos and has been installed very close to the “Woman of Makronisos” memorial.

In a letter to Lavreotiki Mayor Dimitris Loukas, EETE described the placement as a “particularly ill-judged move”, arguing that it has triggered objections both among local residents and organisations involved in public art and the preservation of historical memory.

One of the Chamber’s main objections is that, according to the letter, the required procedure for an open public art competition was not followed before the work was commissioned and installed. EETE argues that such a process helps ensure transparency and the artistic quality of works placed in public spaces.

“It diminishes the Woman of Makronisos memorial”

Particular emphasis is placed on the location of the new sculpture, which, according to EETE, stands just 40 metres from the “Woman of Makronisos” memorial by sculptor Michalis Kassis, which has been located on the pier since 1989.

The Chamber believes that the proximity of the two works creates a serious symbolic and visual problem. As it points out, both female figures face in the same direction, looking toward Makronisos, which it argues has the effect of “symbolically and visually diminishing” the existing memorial.

EETE stresses that the Woman of Makronisos memorial is closely linked to the history of Lavrio and to historical memory, as Makronisos was a place of exile and suffering, as well as a symbol of resistance.

Calls for the sculpture to be relocated

The Chamber is calling on the mayor of Lavreotiki to reconsider the location of the new sculpture, describing the choice as unfortunate and arguing that it undermines the historical significance of the existing memorial.

At the same time, it is requesting a meeting with the mayor, attended by representatives of EETE, PEKAM, the Lavrio Labour Centre and municipal groups, in order to receive explanations about the procedure that was followed and to consider possible solutions for changing the current arrangement.

EETE also stresses that placing a work of art in a public space is not merely a decorative intervention, but requires artistic planning, transparency and respect for the historical and cultural landscape of each area.

Speaking to MEGA, EETE president Nasos Chalkidis said: “Our concern is not an aesthetic one. It confuses passers-by, and the proper procedures for determining its location were not followed. The issue is whether competitions and open calls are held so that proposals can be submitted for the creation and installation of a work in a public space. I believe this particular work was donated. What we are asking for is a discussion with the municipality. There is plenty of space where this sculpture could be placed.”