Antennae are a main element that dominates the Athenian urban environment especially the high- density residential centre of Athens. Their presence in the city is interconnected with polykatoikia, the Athenian apartment building that was born in the 1930s and defined the appearance of the Greek cities. Although they can be considered extremely ugly, from my childhood until now, antennae seemed always very attractive to me as they symbolised an idea of freedom as they rose in the sky trying to reach the infinite. The story inspired by Kostas Kariotakis’ poem Guitars *, is an experiential journey , a poetic representation, a symbolistic game between reality and imagination through the eyes of a 12 year old boy. (Antoine Doinel, fictional character created by François Truffaut introduced in his film 400 blows).
We are some incredible antennae
As the night sets and the moon rises the urban landscape is experienced in a different way.The darkness and the unique light of the moon give another essence to the way things look,stimulating, in this way, imagination. This is the starting point of the imaginative experiential journey.
Psycho-geography routes
With half-closed eyes and some fantasy, the antennas can be transformed to different routes that can lead you to unknown places of the city centre, “drifting” you to a playful exploration.
Seeking freedom
The need of feeling disconnected (antennae’s functional use is connectivity) from everything, running towards an endless pursuit of freedom or a different kind of refuge trying to reach the purity of nature, that contrasts the centre of Athens.
In our memory tormented
Memories from the past repelled in the unconscious, forgotten thoughts, words, emotions come to light as antennas are crashing and falling apart.
