The Nativity Stories

Projecting new approaches through the eyes of the artists, the exhibition "The Nativity Stories" traces the depiction of the Nativity from the Byzantine tradition and western Mediaeval art to the 17th century, but also in the aftermath of the Baroque period, on a journey up to the internal quests of the 19th and 20th century. The selection of the works brings a new perspective to the relationship between holy texts and art, focusing on the juxtaposition of images and words. What emerges is that the history of the Nativity and the events that followed unfolds as a dynamic narration of events which sometimes strays considerably from the Biblical version – a series of narrations with countless nuances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.

At the same time, the first international temporary exhibition at the A. G. Leventis Gallery focuses on the way in which narration through words and pictures draws us to a new 'reading' of art of the past, while at the same time allowing for a contemporary photographic approach. For the purposes of the exhibition, three photographers were asked to approach afresh some historical representations of the Nativity, exploring the interaction between viewer, image and text. Stelios Kallinikou, Matt Crossick and Guillaume Onimus, working in Nicosia, London and Paris respectively, photographed famous paintings of the Nativity in churches, museums and other institutions as they identified the ways viewers and environment converse with these famous works. They sought therefore to create an 'artistic reading' focusing on the juxtaposition of image and understanding, as well as the public’s response on viewing the works of art.

A brief independent audio-guide has been prepared for visitors. There will also be free thematic tours and educational programmes, details of which will be announced in the press.

Taking part in the exhibition which continues until March 2, 2015 are the following museums and private collections from Cyprus and abroad:

Archbishopric of Cyprus
Ministry of Education and Culture, Cyprus
Archbishop Makarios lll Foundation, Nicosia
Bishop of Limassol
Church of the Panagia 'Eleousa', Agros
The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia
Loukia & Michael Zambelas Art Museum, Nicosia
National Gallery – Alexandros Soutzos Museum, Athens
Byzantine & Christian Museum, Athens
Benaki Museum, Athens
State Museum of Contemporary Art, Thessaloniki
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Bijbels Museum, Amsterdam
Musée des Augustins, Toulouse
Museum of the Order of St John, London
Alexis Tsielepis private collection
Andreas Pittas private collection

Opening Hours:
Everyday except Tuesday 10:00-17:00
Wednesday 10:00-22:00