The olive tree: a symbol of peace, victory and immortality. Throughout the ages, the olive tree has been a most important element of everyday life in the Mediterranean. Due to its prominent position, its branches, fruit and oil have always carried symbolic connotations, serving as an honorary distinction, especially in Greece. This holy olive tree’s symbolic power is being exploited by sculptor Angelos Panagiotidis, in the form of silver-colored, metallic trees. The Athenian public will have the opportunity to admire these works in his personal exhibition at Ikastikos Kyklos Sianti, the opening of which will take place on Thursday the 15th of February, at 19.00.

Inspired by Amfilochia, his place of birth, Angelos Panagiotidis transfers in his works the images of his youth, the olive groves of his land. In 1995, he presents for the first time the ‘olive tree’ sculptural form, while in 1998, he starts creating bronze and copper sculptures.

Art historian Manos Stefanidis, in reference to Angelos Panagiotidis’ work, underlines: “In Angelos Panagiotidis’ works, the Olive Tree serves as a symbol, as well as a physical object, it reflects nature, as well as spirituality, it is an image, as well as an abstract idea, but, above all, it is an animated form, which has been living since the beginning of human civilization. Dear friends, this is what the Olive Tree is all about in Angelos Panagiotidis’ laborious and inspired, metal creations. To him, the Olive Tree is a living, breathing being, which speaks to the wind, flirts with the sun, shines under the full moon and shivers in winter. It is a loving creature, comforting us like an angel, blessing and protecting us like a Madonna. And at the same time, it is a creature, whose branches and leaves dance at the slightest blow of the northern winds, sighing in sorrow, whenever it is left forgotten or neglected. In this country, the tree we hurt – to quote the magnificent title of Dimos Avdeliodis’ poetic film – is still being mercilessly wounded, both symbolically, as well as physically. Our country’s olive groves are often treated as a nuisance, a burden in respect to the so-called ‘touristic development’ of primordial landscapes, or they are simply abandoned, because of our lack of diligence or respect for such a godlike tree. History takes vengeance on ordinary lands. Legend will take vengeance on the unique ones.