
Client: Mamidakis Hotels of Greece
Location: Aghios Nikolaos, Creta, Greece
Completion date: 1993
Artwork budget: $100,000
Project Team
Artist
Gosia Malgorzata Koscielak
Client
Gina Mamidakis
G & A Mamidakis Foundation
Overview
Gate of Light for King Minos, 1993
Goals
This sculpture is commissioned by the Mamidakis Hotels of Greece in Aghios Nikolaos, Crete. The goal was to integrate sculpture with hotel environment, gardens and the historical sites of this beautiful island of the Mediterranean. My idea of creating fountain that will have nice and calming influence on hotel visitors had an esthetic, environmental and educational aspects. My choice of the form and material for this sculpture was inspired by the ancient style of Minoan civilization which famous example of Knossos Palace is main tourist attraction on the island. Connection between 3 natural elements: light, water and stone are representing all major elements of local, Cretan landscape. The waterfall inside the stone gate, catching sunbeams through out the system of mirrors is creating afterimages and rainbows bring positive and good atmosphere and energy of space. Entire composition with its simplicity and grace connects visitors with the ancient past and mythological sites of Greece.
Process
Sculpture was created and designed by me. Building of the sculpture on the site was made by the Aghios Nikolaos professional masonry contractors.