Art on Crete

Slim Aarons exhibition at the Abaton Island Resort & Spa

This is the legendary lifestyle photographer's first Slim Aarons exhibition in Greece and, in keeping with the occasion, it is taking place in a very special setting: until September 26, 2021, the Abaton Island Resort & Spa on Crete is showing Aarons' works as part of the exhibition "Slim Aarons: the High Life". A total of 30 colorful photographs are on display, the carefully curated show was created in collaboration with the Getty Images Gallery. The theme of the exhibition is the hedonistic lifestyle in the 50s, 60s and 70s in Greece, France, Italy and Mexico. The pictures can be seen in the hotel's contemporary art room daily from 10 am to 10 pm.

The High Life

The exhibition, which was curated in collaboration with the director of IFAC Arts, Lee Wells, is divided into three sections. In the first section, the museum is showing a selection of photographs taken by Slim Aarons in Greece. Iconic landmarks are depicted as well as the lives of some of Greece's most prominent families. These include the first wife of Aristotle Onassis on board the mega yacht "Christina O". Aarons himself can be seen in his "Self Portrait on Holiday in Athens, Greece" - relaxing in front of the Acropolis. He loved to portray the who's who of society and the jet set by the pools of five-star hotels and in front of their spectacular houses; these photos are the focus of the second part of the exhibition. The last part is about celebrities in their leisure time, enjoying themselves on vacation, wealth and privilege. Among others, Kirk Douglas can be seen water-skiing and Brigitte Lapp Fonda on vacation in Marbella.



"We are thrilled that Slim's work is finally on display in Greece, a country he has visited often and always with enthusiasm during his long career," says Shawn Waldron, curator of Getty Images Gallery about the exhibition at Abaton Island Resort & Spa. "Slim's celebrated photographs of luxury and glamor have found an ideal host at the Abaton Resort, a chic seaside location that provides a truly perfect backdrop for his celebrated work."

The luxury hotel is also delighted about the photographic guest appearance of the American photographer - who reportedly never used the help of stylists or make-up artists: "We are delighted to be hosting the first Slim Aarons exhibition in Greece at our hotel in collaboration with the Getty Images Gallery and IFAC Arts NY," says Georgios Kaloutsakis, owner of the Abaton Island Resort & Spa. "Slim Aarons is known for his documentation of a bygone era of carefree, glamorous living and he has been invited to some of the hottest venues in the world. Our aim is to transport our guests and locals alike to this glamorous world through our exhibition and provide inspiration for their own vacation at the Abaton."

Further information & booking: www.abaton.gr


Text: Claudia Hilmbauer