GHIKA: A Journey from West to East

In celebration of Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika’s legacy, the Benaki Museum presents a captivating exhibition marking 30 years since the artist's passing. This immersive journey retraces Ghika’s transformative 1958 voyage, which took him from the West to the East, a milestone that deeply influenced his artistic career. Starting with an invitation to an international educational program, Ghika traversed iconic cities like New York, San Francisco, and Mexico before heading to Asia, where he delved into the rich cultural landscapes of Japan, India, and beyond. The exhibition explores both the physical journey and the metaphoric one, revealing Ghika's profound connection to the arts, religion, and philosophy of the East.

The exhibit invites visitors to experience this incredible adventure through an array of personal artifacts, drawings, and works inspired by Ghika’s travels. A special interactive audiovisual application adds depth, offering an intimate glimpse into the artist's life and his bond with Barbara Warner, the woman who would become his muse and wife. The exhibition illuminates the deep connections Ghika discovered between Eastern and Western art, celebrating a remarkable journey that not only shaped his career but also his personal life. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness how art and love can transcend borders.