ALMA Gallery’s tenth anniversary in an opportunity to reflect. Nothing today is reminiscent of the art scene of 2010, and clearly there is no evidence upon which to base any predictions for future developments. However, there are certain constants, or at least we can opt to focus on those creative forces that insist, admittedly with great difficulty, on offering to the public the opportunity to connect and communicate with contemporary art.

ALMA Gallery first captured my attention many years ago, somewhat by chance, through multiple complimentary mentions in the arts and culture section of the press. It stood out to me for two reasons. Firstly, because it was based in Trikala instead of Kolonaki or Metaxourgio or some other Athenian district. Secondly, and most importantly, because the exhibitions it presented were carefully selected and curated, inviting exemplary contemporary artists to showcase their work to a different –more demanding– audience.

The artists exhibiting in this anniversary exhibition all have an organic and emotional relationship with ALMA. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see, in Trikala, a curated sample of the Greek contemporary art scene and to honour both the artists and Maria Almpani who continue, with passion, to encourage us all.

Nikos Vatopoulos, December 2020