Aristotle’s Lyceum

Aristotle's Lyceum, photo: Mathias Völzke

Between the Athens Conservatoire (Odeion) and the Sarogleio Building (Armed Forces Officers Club) lie the foundations of the ancient Lyceum of Aristotle, established by the philosopher in 335 BC with a focus on peripatetic learning. The ancient Greek word περιπατητικός (peripatêtikos), or “given to walking,” signals Aristotle’s key notion of learning as a movement of the body in tandem with the movement of the mind. Movement also figures as sound in the staging of Postcommodity’s installation on this archaeological site. Transmitted through highly precise military-grade speakers used against their disciplinary purpose, stories of forced displacement, necessary journeys, and transformation are broadcast—some sung, some spoken, others signaled only by their silence.

Posted in Public Exhibition