Athens is making its mark in the contemporary arena with its first biennial, September 10 through November 18. The theme—“Destroy Athens”—is a call to do away with stereotypes about the city. Highlights include Abra Vana Alucinete Fogo (2006), a room-size installation of psychedelic wallpaper and neon lights by the artist Assume Vivid Astro Focus. AVAF’s work can also be seen from the 5th of this month through March 23, 2008, in “Fractured Figure” at collector Dakis Joannou’s local DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art. Curated by New York dealer Jeffrey Deitch, the show comprises about 50 pieces, including Nathalie Djurberg’s erotic Claymation videos. Meanwhile, Los Angeles- and Berlin-based gallery Peres Projects launches “Beyond the Zero,” September 8 through October 13, in a space it has temporarily occupied in the city’s Keramikos neighborhood (where the biennial is set). On view: works by the likes of New York-based Dan Colen and Dash Snow.  

"Greece Now" was originally published in the September 2007 issue of Art & Auction magazine.