Myth Unbound: Ariadne – Andromeda
Two powerful heroines whose name and legend are associated with Cyprus entered the spotlight at the A.G. Leventis Gallery in a temporary exhibition focusing on exceptional works of art from the Pitta Collection. The rare works mark milestones in European art history, centred on the lives of two heroines whose adventures will never be forgotten. Heroines whose lives tell tales of marriage and childbirth, freedom and servitude, sacrifice and betrayal, tragedy and heartbreak.
Inspired by the power, strength, and courage of these two dynamic women, appios® was determined to reveal great stories from the past via a strikingly modern approach. This is exemplified by the vibrant colour used throughout the exhibition; a bold new take on the muted traditional burgundy that dominates the old paintings in the collection.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary ball of thread once used by Ariadne to help Theseus out of a labyrinth, the team also opted for elegant yet dynamic typography that incorporates the movement of this symbolic act. This pink thread has also been used as a key element throughout the wall displays created, guiding viewers along a fluid and evolving journey of bold readings and interactive projections telling tales about the deeper truths of human nature. The appios® designers also created street banners, web banners, posters, and an exhibition catalogue.
“Stories of love, (self-)sacrifice, betrayal, the pains of motherhood, and the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth are timeless themes. Everything that these two ancient heroines stand for has something to teach us in today’s modern world. The power of these women sets the tone for the entire exhibition.”
“We chose to connect past and present via Ariadne’s symbolic thread, with a striking colour palette that’s relevant and eye-catching for today’s audience. The curves and contours of the typeface enhance the sense of movement, elegance and grace, inspired by the exhibition heroines.”
Publication
According to ancient Greek mythology, two heroines, Ariadne and Andromeda, were both tragically abandoned by their lovers. But their adventures will remain unforgotten throughout time. And it is the power, strength, and courage that define them that became the focal point of an exhibition catalogue designed by appios® studio as part of the ‘Myth Unbound: Ariadne – Andromeda’ exhibition at A.G. Leventis Gallery, featuring unique works from the Pitta Collection.
In line with the striking and contemporary exhibition identity, the creative team designed a catalogue that documents the exhibition, paying homage to the past while simultaneously striking a chord with the modern-day art-lover. From the Cypro-Archaic clay figures of the Cypriot Ariadne/Venus to 20th-century art, and from Euripides’ Andromeda to contemporary poetry, visual and written references are juxtaposed with contemporary feminist reinterpretations. The striking yet clean and sophisticated catalogue design plays upon this exciting contrast between history and modernity, reminding the reader of the timelessness of these deeper truths of human nature.
“The typeface used is sleek and sophisticated, but also powerful with an intricate twist, just like the heroines in the exhibition. It incorporates the fluid movement of the symbolic thread used by Ariadne to help Theseus out of a labyrinth.”
“Timeless themes relating to life itself transcend time and place in this exhibition. This is immediately evident on the catalogue cover, with contemporary bright pink set against the rich yet muted colours of a historic painting.”
