A place dedicated to art in all its colourful glory, you certainly can’t miss this place from the outside, characterised by a rather quirky and wonderful creative sculpture wall, probably unlike anything you’ve seen before. Known locally as the ‘Great Wall of Lempa’, you might actually spend more time ogling at the outside of this venue than the inside! A major landmark and tourist attraction, it’s made from all sorts of random found materials featuring animals, human figures and just about anything and everything in between. Do have your cameras at ready!
The college itself was founded in 1969 by the late distinguished painter, Stass Paraskos, and the wall was made by the man himself and numerous visiting artists over a great number of years. In line with his initial vision of creating an innovative and informal space for artists, art students and art lovers to come together, creativity is unleashed here by a whole host of creative talents, having even attracted major figures from the international art world over time like Sir Terry Frost and Clive Head. Have a good look around the grounds and you’ll spot sculptures and art work galore to get you excited, while the interior will give you the chance to have a peak at various students at work, as well as a gallery with a whole manner of artwork on show.
Where to find it? 6 Stass Paraskos Street (formerly Eleftherias Street), Lempa Village, Paphos. Tel. (+357) 99-452757).http://enqui7024.wix.com/cypruscollegeofart
2. Hambis Printmaking Museum, Platanistia village
This sleepy village not far from Pissouri has seen visitors from near and far flock to its quiet centre to catch a glimpse of a fantastic gem of a place known as the Hambis Printmaking Museum. Set up by the well known namesake local artist as part of his effort to educate and inspire crowds on the art of printmaking, you’ll be taken on a journey both back in time and around the world as you’re given the chance to learn about the history of printmaking and how techniques have evolved through time.
Have a look around the place and you’ll find prints that date back to the 16th century until today, from all corners of the world, even including far flung countries like Japan, Peru and New Zealand. Then there’s a rich collection of prints by Cypriot and Greek artists, a special display of tools used in all printmaking techniques, old and contemporary books, and interesting photographic material. You can also have a good look at the work of students from the Hambis Printmaking School.
Where to find it? Platanistia village, Limassol. Tel: (+357) 25-222772. www.hambisprintmakingcenter.org.cy
3. A. G Leventis Gallery, Nicosia
If there’s one place that art lovers on the island simply shouldn’t miss, this venue probably wears the gold crown. Attracting locals and foreigners alike, people step through the doors of this modern building on a daily basis to catch a glimpse of works by the likes of great legends such as Monet, El Greco and Canaletto. Housing over 800 works in total, they are divided into three main collections: The Paris Collection, The Cyprus Collection and the Greek Collection. To put it simply, it plays home to the largest private collection of European Art on the island and stands as the culmination of the vision of the late Cypriot entrepreneur, Anastasios Leventis, who wished to establish a gallery in his homeland that would give crowds the chance to see the extensive private collection which he built up over his lifetime.
Photo credit: A. G Leventis Gallery
Keep in mind that a new series of lectures will resume at the gallery on September 9th, the first of which will be given by Paul Dujardin, CEO and Artistic Director of the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels and member of the Honorary Committee of the A. G. Leventis Gallery. The lecture is entitled ‘The Arts, Culture and European Identity’.
Photo credit: A. G Leventis Gallery
Where to find it? 5 A.G Leventis St. Tel: (+357) 22-668838. www.leventisgallery.org. To reserve a place for the upcoming lecture call Demetra Antonara on (+357) 22-66883 or email info@leventisgallery.org by Monday September 7th.
4. Sculpture Park, Ayia Napa
Think that the seaside tourist hub of Ayia Napa is just all about sun, sea, hotels and nightlife? Then think again! If you love sculpture then you’ve simply got to head down to the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park and prepare for a good dose of inspiration by the endless blue. At the junction of the Cape Greco and Kriou Nerou roads, there are countless sculptures on show, all standing proud amidst a whole host of different local trees and plants.
Two symposiums have witnessed a wide variety of international sculptors jet into our sunny shores to add their creative touch to the area, with works of Goddesses, mystic waters, harps and much more commanding attention.
Where to find it? Ayia Mavri Avenue, Ayia Napa. Tel: (+357) 23-816 300.www.ayianapaopenmuseum.com
5. 6×6 Centre for Photography, Limassol
Photography lovers around the island have come to adore this place in the heart of the city, entirely dedicated to the art and practice of photography. Established as part of a lifelong dream by professional photographer, Vassos Stylianou, he aimed to give crowds the chance to really appreciate and perceive photography as an art form, while exploring its evolving role within a contemporary society.
6×6 Centre for Photography showcases the works of both local and international photographers in a variety of exhibitions that are held throughout the year, while the centre also has a ‘Permanent Collection’, showcasing an interesting photographic heritage of engravings, early photographs, vintage cameras, accessories and darkroom apparatus.
A real multi-functional space, there’s also a fully-equipped Photographic Studio with state-of-the-art equipment and an inspiring Photographers’ Library on the grounds, hosting more than 1600 journals, periodicals, magazines, catalogues and photography books. It’s worth noting that the space also offers a wide range of photographic services and opportunities, both for professionals and photography enthusiasts of all ages and knowledge levels. That’s not to forget seminars, workshops and other educational events.
Where to find it? 19 Ipeirou Street, 3040 Limassol. Tel: +357 25354810. www.centreforphotography6x6.com
