Mikro Kilikio

Petersburg Hanging

Seeing the World through the Eyes of Children

Children are masters of imagination - with a pencil or a brush in their hand and a piece of paper in front of them, they create their own world: in their heads, lines become snakes and streets, an oval becomes an alien spaceship, and dots become flying birds. However, it is precisely this instinctive carelessness that leads us to view that their drawings as mere souvenirs or, at best, decoration for the refrigerator door.

However, if we delve a little into recent art history, we find a long list of artists who are inspired by the unmistakable authenticity and quality of children drawings and paintings. But isn’t the logical next step for us to celebrate their artistic products as an event in their own right?

With this exhibition, we would like to show and honor the visions they put on paper and enable those who have grown through childhood to reflect on the value of children’s art and culture and to develop a deeper appreciation for it. (H.S.)

An Exhibition on Child Art Curator: Hanna Schimek

‘‘Creativity is a central source of meaning in our lives... most things that are interesting, important and human are the result of creativity.’’

-Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

The First Exhibition at Mikro Kilikio

The so-called Petersburg hanging, also known as salon hanging, is one of the oldest and most visually rich methods of displaying art in galleries and cultural spaces. Originating from the grand tradition of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg—one of the world’s most renowned art institutions—this style is characterized by a floor-to-ceiling arrangement of artworks that creates a striking sense of abundance and eclecticism. Rather than adhering to a strict order, it embraces an aesthetic of curated chaos, allowing each piece to engage in visual and thematic dialogue with its neighbors.

This distinctive layout was chosen for the very first exhibition at Mikro Kilikio, a new space adjacent to Mikro Studio. With its inviting bar and warm atmosphere, Mikro Kilikio is being shaped into a dynamic venue for artistic exchange, offering a platform for exhibitions, gatherings, and conversation. The inaugural exhibition, curated by artist and cultural producer Hanna Schimek, was the result of an open call to the residents of Aegina, inviting local artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to share their work. The result is a vibrant, diverse collection that reflects the creative spirit of the island—presented in a form that celebrates visual dialogue, community, and expressive abundance.