Established in 1983 by art collector Dakis Joannou, DESTE —the Greek word for “look”, engages in an extensive exhibition program that promotes emerging as well as established artists through its exhibition space in Athens, Greece. DESTE Foundation’s core exhibition schedule is complemented by a number of projects, such as the DESTE Prize, awarded bi-annually to a young Greek artist; the Hydra Slaughterhouse Project, which takes place annually on the Greek island of Hydra; and the destefashioncollection, a project that aims to explore the connections between contemporary art and fashion. Throughout the decades, DESTE has collaborated internationally with various institutions, from the Palais de Tokyo in Paris to the New Museum in New York.
On the occasion of DESTE’s current exhibitions of Jeff Koons and Kaari Upson, LARRY’S LIST had a conversation with founder Dakis Joannou, who explained his motivation of setting up the space in a slaughterhouse on Hydra island; his visions for the foundation in the upcoming years; as well as his advice to future foundation founders.

Background

Why is it important for you to share your collection with a wider public?
The DESTE Foundation was established in 1983 before I started the collection.
My interest has always been to be engaged in the dialogue between art and life, and the collection has been a means to that end.

You had already established a permanent exhibition space in Athens. What motivated you to start the Hydra Slaughterhouse Project?
I still remember the Slaughterhouse in use with the sea below it colored red! I have always been fascinated with the energy that this very special small building radiates. When I secured the space, I started the program by inviting established artists and asking them, or rather challenging them, to produce a work for the space with a limited budget. For the projects in Hydra, it is completely up to the artists how they choose to respond.

What is the mission of the foundation?
To be engaged in the dialogue about art and life.

What are the ways to achieve this mission?
By being free and flexible to respond to or initiate issues that are relevant to our lives. We achieve this with the formal or informal participation of many friends.

The collection

How many artworks do you own and how many of them are displayed in DESTE Foundation’s exhibition spaces?
The DESTE spaces have no permanent display. At any given moment, we may have none, one, or more shows. Over the years, we have also collaborated with other institutions, such as the Benaki and Cycladic Museums in Athens, Princeton University’s Postclassicisms initiative, and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation (GSAPP).

How do you decide what from your collection to show at DESTE?
We just do!

Throughout the decades, you have collaborated with various museums to showcase your art collection. What has been the most memorable experience?
All have been memorable in their own way. The exhibitions at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris (2005), the Kunsthalle Wien and MUMOK in Vienna (2007), the New Museum in New York (2010), and the Museum of Art and History in Geneva (2016) have all been unique experiences offering novel readings of the collection.

The programming

What are the special upcoming programs that we definitely should not miss out?
We react spontaneously… You will know as soon as we decide on a project and you shouldn’t miss it!

Visions for DESTE Foundation

You have been very active on social media, such as Instagram. How important is social media in your art collecting?
My activity on Instagram is really about telling my own story… It has no impact neither on collecting nor on DESTE’s programming.

What was your most memorable moment since your foundation has been set up?
The most memorable moments are the moments when new shows open.

What are your visions for the foundation in the upcoming years?
My vision is to keep going and stay relevant.

What do you think are the key elements that determine the success of an art foundation?
Being able to react quickly and stay relevant.

What is your advice to other collectors who may be thinking about establishing an art foundation?
I have no advice other than following one’s ideas and being committed.

Related: DESTE
Instagram: @destefoundation

Current exhibitions:
KAARI UPSON: NEVER ENOUGH
DESTE Foundation, Athens, Greece, till 27.10.2022

JEFF KOONS: APOLLO
DESTE Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse, Hydra, Greece, till 31.10.2022