Life, the state, and especially the vision of Riga Velestinlis – Feraiou, were a source of inspiration for Greek and Serbian artists. On the occasion of the 225+1 years after his killing, they have created works that complete their journey with two last stops in Thessaloniki and Serres.

The exhibition entitled “Artists’ Books _ Rigas Velestinlis (Feraios): A Great Promotion” presents 34 art books, where creators used a variety of techniques and materials such as photography, engraving, painting, collage, sewing, and wood or metal constructions. Basic materials are handmade paper, rice paper, wire, skin, fabric, silk and more.

The curator of the exhibition, photographer Thanassis Raptis, explains to the Athenian/Macedonian News Agency that the idea was born from the Riga Charter, printed in 1797 in 1,220 copies in J. Nitsch’s printing house, in twelve sheets of 70 cm. The Charter is considered a top achievement of the 17th-18th century Greek speech, while the quality of its printing and content also gives it great artistic value. “It would not be an exaggeration to say that Charter is one of the first artist book samples in southeast Europe,” Mr Raptis notes. “Rigas, without realizing it, managed to concentrate on its very large leaves all over the history, philosophy, ancient tragedy, geography, customs and customs of Hellenism. Its purpose was to awaken the Greek people, to feel proud and to seek to shake the Ottoman yoke. “

The initiative for the exhibition also belongs to Thanassis Rapti, who was inspired by his visit to the Nebusa Pyrgos, the monument to Belgrade where he was imprisoned, tortured and killed by Rigas. There, he found that Serbian artists knew and appreciated Riga Feraios, which led him to the idea of collaborating with Greek and Serb artists in the exhibition.

The exhibition premiered in June 2024 at the Nebusa Pyrgos, with the auspices of the Region of Central Macedonia and the Hellenic Serbian Foundation for Serbia, and with the support of the Greek Embassy in Belgrade. A presentation was followed in March in Thessaloniki, in the area of Islachane, where two workshops of art books were carried out, with the participation of high school students and artists. These group creations are exhibited along with the rest of the projects. A few days ago, the exhibition was hosted at the Byzantine Tower of Galatista.

From today to Saturday, it will be in the – anerted – Livadi Elementary School of Thermi Municipality, as part of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the local Cultural Association, with the support of the Municipality of Thermi, the Livadi Local Community and the Cultural Association. The inauguration of the event is at 8pm.

The last stop on the tour is the Zinzirli Mosque in Serres, where the exhibition will be hosted from September 3 to September 30, in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres and with the support of the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Serres.

The photographer Thanasis Raptis and the painter Sofya Yechina are curated, while the production is supported by the “collective artist” cuckoo “with the support of the Region of Central Macedonia.