SOS by Achilleas Souras part of the Traversées project in Poitiers

The Traversées-Kimsooja project hosts the art work SOS by Achilleas Souras until January 2020

The Korean-born conceptual artist Kimsooja was given carte blanche to map out an artistic route through the medieval city. Kimsooja addresses the theme of traversées, or crossing, in relation to 15 historical sites. In addition, Kimsooja invites twenty artists to participate in the project. The “traveling companions” come from all continents and their work resonates with her practice through the theme of traversées.

SOS – Save Our Souls – by Achilleas Souras takes part in the project, as a response to the current global refugee crisis. The art work is an igloo made from 1,000 life jackets collected from the shores of Lesbos – the Greek island that has become a regular landing place for refugees entering Europe. SOS was firstly on display at FuoriSalone in 2017 at Moroso Showroom. By using life jackets, Achilleas reminds us of the waste and failure to commit to proper housing for thousands of refugees who are now in peril around the world.   “Save Our Souls” works as a metaphor, too—if we ignore their plight we risk the salvation of our own souls. The double-use and double-meaning is clear: SOS or “Save our ship,” is the international distress signal, and “Save our Soul” is the international spiritual one that Souras turns back on the viewer.

SOS will be on display in Poitiers until the 19th of January 2020.