Lavreotiki sculpture placement sparks controversy

The placement of a new sculpture on the pier of Lavreotiki has sparked significant controversy and formal protests. The Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece (EETE) has sent a letter of protest to the Municipality of Lavreotiki, describing the installation as an ‘ill-advised move’.

The EETE argues that the sculpture, which depicts a nude woman, was placed only forty meters away from the existing ‘Monument of the Woman of Makronisos’ by Michalis Kasis. The Chamber claims the placement ‘offends the historical memory of the area’ and bypassed the standard public artistic competition process required to ensure transparency and aesthetic quality.

Dimitris Loukas, the Mayor of Lavreotiki, responded by stating that the work was not purchased or commissioned by the municipality but was instead a donation. While expressing openness to discussing aesthetics and placement, the Mayor emphasized the need for accurate information to avoid misconceptions. He reaffirmed his commitment to defending the historical identity of Makronisos and the labor identity of Lavreotiki against oblivion.