Taking place between June and October 2026 in Rhodes, the 2nd International Biennale of Contemporary Ceramics (Biennale of Contemporary Keramics – BCK) offers a reinterpretation of the Mediterranean’s cultural memory through the lens of ceramics. Titled Where the Day Starts, the biennale’s second edition invites audiences to rethink the region’s cultural diversity through themes of migration, exchange, and interaction— all articulated via ceramic practices.
Curated by Anissa Touati, Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos, and Loukia Thomopoulou, the biennale creates a space not only for ceramic art but also for a deeper reflection on the Mediterranean’s multilayered identity. The trio’s combined experience builds a rich artistic network stretching from Morocco to Lebanon, Athens to Paris—bringing fresh perspective to the notion of “Mediterraneanness.”
“Ceramic techniques have flowed from shore to shore for centuries, evolving through migration, trade, and dialogue,” say the curators. “Today, artists use these ancient methods to form new connections with contemporary issues.”
BCK will bring together artists who live in or have strong ties to the Mediterranean basin, presenting a selection that centers on the unique history of Rhodes.
The thematic starting point of the biennale is rooted in the mythological and geographical symbolism of Rhodes. According to legend, the island—named after Rhodos, the lover of the sun god Helios—is the first place to greet the morning light. The title Where the Day Starts reflects this symbolism, emphasizing light not only as a beginning, but as a doorway to transformation, dialogue, and the reimagining of shared heritage.
Three Faces of the Mediterranean: A Curatorial Perspective
Loukia Thomopoulou, founder and creative director of the biennale, has long organized artist residencies and site-specific ceramic exhibitions across the Greek islands, forging strong connections between ceramic production and contemporary art discourse. Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos, known for her leadership at Art Athina in Athens, has played a key role in making Greek contemporary art more visible internationally. Her Mum Institute connects social responsibility projects with artistic production. Anissa Touati, with exhibitions and research spanning the Mediterranean, has developed the concept of “interwoven heritage of spaces” and critically explores the relationships between art, identity, and geography through her curatorial practice from Paris to Geneva, Madrid to Lagos.
Contemporary Ceramics Across the Layers of Rhodes
The main exhibition will consist of works selected through an open call, commissioned pieces, and a curatorial section devoted to traditional Rhodian ceramics. The venue is a recently restored Neoclassical building located in the medieval city of Rhodes. Originally constructed in 1876 as a Muslim school, the site also includes remnants of the Saint John Catholic Church and the Grand Mosque—making it a fitting embodiment of the biennale’s layered spirit.
In addition to the central venue, BCK will spread across various cultural sites on the island. This decentralized structure will allow visitors to engage not only with contemporary ceramics but also with the sunlit streets, ancient ruins, and rich landscapes of Rhodes itself.
Selecting Together: The BCK Jury
Alongside the curators, the biennale’s jury includes distinguished art historians, curators, ceramicists, and collectors. Jury members include Christina Anglada (Spain), Florian Daguet Bresson (France), Theodora Chorafas (Greece), Stefano Collicelli Cagol (Italy), Karina El Helou (Lebanon), Orhan Gorbon (Turkey), Katerina Gregos (EMST, Greece), and Nikos Liaros (Greece). This diverse panel creates a platform where different voices around the Mediterranean converge into a collective curatorial vision.
A New Beginning Through the Language of Ceramics
BCK 2026 aligns with France’s “2026 Mediterranean Age” cultural initiative and will feature a vibrant public program including performances, artist gatherings, talks, and workshops. Against the myth-filled sunrises of Rhodes, ceramics—both as a material and a metaphor—will re-emerge as a vital medium that touches on today’s most urgent issues.
