The creative work of Hypercomf and The New Raw is interdisciplinary and combines research, design, methodology and education with artistic practice
By Antonis Kritikos
The artistic duo of Hypercomf and the designer duo The New Raw are the creators with whom the organization Polygreen Culture & Art Initiative (PCAI) launches the program of hosting artists and designers on the island of Tilos. The program explores in practice the possibilities of artistic creativity and the tangible solutions that art can offer to issues related to the circular economy, sustainability, recycling and environmental protection.
The creative work of Hypercomf and The New Raw is interdisciplinary and combines research, design, methodology and education with artistic practice. Their creations and projects directly address issues of sustainability and circular economy, while the reuse and utilization of materials are central concepts in their practice. During their participation in the artist residency, the creators will have the opportunity to explore the circular economy program applied on the island, to study the management chain and the sorting system and to create new, original works from non-recyclable and reusable materials, which are collected daily at the Circular Innovation Center of Tilos. The two creative groups will also get in touch with the local community as well as the history, handicrafts and folklore traditions of the island. Through open studio days and educational workshops for the residents and children of the island, they will seek to understand ecological issues by harnessing the creative possibilities and tools offered by art.
The PCAI artist hosting program takes place in the framework of the Polygreen group’s cooperation with the Municipality of Tilos. Just Go Zero Tilos is an innovative venture that develops solutions to promote sustainability and a circular economy. Through three main pillars, which include the collection and management of materials as well as information and training programs, Tilos aspires to become the first island of zero waste in Greece.
The founder and CEO of PCAI and CEO of Polygreen, Athanasios Polychronopoulos, notes: “We are excited as the art becomes the culmination of the integrated circular waste management program that we have developed and which is already being implemented with unprecedented success on the island of Tilos.”
The artistic director of PCAI and curator of the residency, Kika Kyriakakoustates: “The aim of this particular program of hosting artists is to explore possible environmental solutions with a vehicle of contemporary art and design, always in collaboration with the local community and with absolute respect for the history and cultural heritage of Tilos”.
