The Municipality of Platanias, in collaboration with the Municipality of Kythera, the Chania Museum of Contemporary Art – Olivepress (Elaiourgeion) and Follow Your Art Art Gallery, present the contemporary art exhibition “KYTHERIA APHRODITI II – From Hidden Erotic Passion to the Online Search for Love” at the Polycenter of Voukolies.

The event is organised with the support of the Region of Crete – Regional Unit of Chania, Match More Art Gallery and Pasiphae–AMKE, and forms part of the CHANIAaRT 2026 Visual Arts Programme.

In his statement, the Mayor of Platanias, Giannis Malandrakis, noted:
“Hosting the exhibition ‘KYTHERIA APHRODITI II’ at the Polycenter of Voukolies strengthens the dynamic presence of contemporary art in the inland areas of Chania. Of particular importance is our collaboration with the Municipality of Kythera, as it highlights the strong cultural ties and creative exchange between the two regions. Through such synergies, we promote dialogue, extroversion and the connection of local society with contemporary artistic explorations.”

The exhibition is curated by art historian and Assistant Professor at the University of Patras Konstantinos V. Proimos, visual artist and founder of Follow Your Art Art Gallery Georgia Tseri, and Director of the Chania Museum of Contemporary Art – Olivepress (Elaiourgeion) Ioannis N. Archontakis.

Participating artists include: Ellen Weijers, Magdalini Vogiatzí, Cris Gianakos, Sylvain Yeatman-Eiffel, Pat Kaufman, Konstantinos Koronaios, Stylianos Kouklakis, Ton Leenarts, Kosmas Lilikakis, Matthaios Makarónas, Eleni Manolaraki, Giannis P. Markantonakis (1952–2024), Erietta Markantonatou, Ioannis Monogyiός, Susan Moxley, Robert Barcia, Nikos Basias, Lambrini Boviatsou, Barbara Knight, Grigoris Niolis, Andreas Pavlou, Anastasia Petraki, Dafni Petrocheilou, Giota Pitsiri, Natassa Poulantza, Aliki Rigou, Nanni Riccobono, Peter Sternäng, Roula Schiza, Giorgos Tzannes, Katerina Tsembeli, Georgia Tseri, Drosia Tseri, Antonis Frantzeskakis, Kyriakos Chatzimichailidis and Sally Heard.

The exhibition features works of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, constructions and installations, accompanied by a full-colour bilingual (Greek–English) catalogue, including documentation texts and curatorial analysis.

According to Hesiod’s Theogony, the birth of Aphrodite in Kythera links the island to love and mythology, as the goddess emerged from the sea foam and was worshipped as its protector. References to Kythera and Aphrodite are also found in Homer, Herodotus and Xenophon, while the goddess is identified with the island as “Kytheria.” The geographer Isidoros attributed the island’s name to Aphrodite, connecting it to the verb “kefto” (to hide), suggesting a sense of “hidden erotic passion.”

Art historian Konstantinos V. Proimos notes that today romantic relationships have shifted into the digital realm, where algorithms shape encounters. Despite the abundance of choices, the transition from online interaction to physical connection often brings disappointment, while the feeling of loneliness remains strong.

The exhibition runs from 20 April to 20 May 2026, at the Polycenter of Voukolies, Monday to Friday, 10:00–14:00, with free admission.

The exhibition was first presented at Follow Your Art Art Gallery in Kapsali, Kythera, in autumn 2025 and, following its showing at the Polycenter of Voukolies, will travel to art spaces across central Greece.