The second edition of VIMA Art Fair, held in Limassol, Cyprus from 15–17 May, proved to be a significant addition to the island’s contemporary art landscape, further establishing Limassol’s artistic character.
Bringing together more than 30 galleries from 20 countries, the fair successfully balanced a strong presentation of Cyprus’s contemporary art scene with an impressive international presence. Alongside local galleries such as Eins Gallery, The Edit Gallery, and Art Seen, exhibitors included Sylvia Kouvali (Athens), Can Christina Androulidaki (Athens), The Third Line (Dubai), and Fragment (New York), among others, creating a dynamic dialogue between regional and global artistic perspectives.Each booth was thoughtfully curated, highlighting the unique identity and artistic vision of the participating galleries.
A particular highlight was the outdoor curated programme, The Waves Crushing, conceived by Kostas Stasinopoulos and set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean sea. The programme featured site-specific installations by artists including Manolis Lemos, Stelios Kallinikou, and Christos Kyriakides, creating a compelling dialogue between contemporary art and the surrounding environment.
Another distinctive element of the fair was its carefully crafted performance programme. Serving as a personal curatorial gesture, it added a unique dimension to the event through performances by Chrysanthi Koumianaki and Lewis Walker, enriching the visitor experience beyond the exhibition format.
Beyond the fair itself, the entire island was activated through an extensive programme of parallel events, including exhibitions, guided tours, artist talks, and other cultural initiatives. This broader engagement reinforced the fair’s role as a catalyst for contemporary art discourse across Cyprus.
VIMA Art Fair has emerged as a true gem within Cyprus’s contemporary art ecosystem. More than simply positioning the island on the international contemporary art map, it has the potential to establish Cyprus as a significant cultural destination, not only for its renowned holidays and natural beauty, but also for its vibrant and growing artistic community.
Photos: © Mirka Koutsouri
