Beyond the Caldera: “Othen Elemental Aesthetics” celebrates contemporary craft in Santorini

In the traditional village of Megalochori, away from Santorini’s bustling caldera, a new space dedicated to contemporary art, craftsmanship and collectible design invites visitors to experience the island through a different lens. Othen Elemental Aesthetics is more than a gallery-it is a thoughtfully conceived destination where material, design and artistic expression converge.

At the centre of Othen’s identity are the marble sculptures of Grigoris Kouskouris, a fourth-generation marble artisan whose practice explores the timeless qualities of stone while reinterpreting a centuries-old craft through a contemporary aesthetic. His works establish a dialogue between the enduring presence of marble and a minimalist visual language rooted in the Cycladic landscape.

Alongside Kouskouris’ sculptures, the gallery presents a carefully curated selection of ceramic works by Natalia Manta, Anna Karountzou and Filippos Theodoridis. Anna Karountzou’s functional ceramic collections further blur the boundaries between fine art and everyday objects, highlighting the beauty of craftsmanship in daily life. The collection is complemented by the distinctive jewellery of Fotini Psarouli, created exclusively for Othen.

The gallery itself reflects the same philosophy. Housed in a 1950s building, the space has been reimagined through an architectural intervention that respects its original character while embracing a contemporary sensibility. Designed by Kapsimalis Architects of Santorini, the interiors privilege natural, environmentally conscious materials, creating an atmosphere where architecture quietly supports the artworks on display. The visual identity and branding, developed by Saint of Athens, reinforce the gallery’s understated yet refined character.

Othen extends the gallery experience beyond visual contemplation. Collectible vinyl records played on a turntable create a distinctive soundscape, while a selection of limited-edition design objects-including metal chairs combined with marble and mirrors paired with natural stone-encourages visitors to consider the relationship between functionality and artistic creation. Numbered editions of art and design books further enrich the space’s collectible identity.

Each artwork is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, while private viewings by appointment offer collectors and visitors the opportunity to engage with the works in a more personal setting.

By bringing together contemporary art, collectible design and traditional craftsmanship under one roof, Othen Elemental Aesthetics proposes a slower, more intimate cultural experience-one that reflects Santorini beyond its postcard imagery and celebrates the enduring value of material, making and artistic dialogue.

All Photos: Spyros Plesiotis www.n2sphotographers.com