228 explores relationship between architecture, domestic space and collective memory, focusing on a block of historic buildings built by Bauhaus architects in central Athens in the 1930’s. The purpose of these particular buildings was to house 228 families, out of 1.5 million refugees who arrived from Asia Minor in 1920’s, following the agreement between the Greek and Turkish governments to exchange populations.

The Greek government is developing plans to demolish and replace these "refugee" buildings in central Athens with a shopping mall and a garage, whilst heavily investing in the renovation of all architecture associated with the country’s classical or neo classical history. During the 2004 Athens Olympics, while the rest of the city was painted and renovated, this particular building in the centre of Athens was covered up by a gigantic advertising banner. Almost as if the process of modernizing Greece can only succeed by erasing or disguising reminders of an era that sits very uncomfortably within collective consciousness.

Polaroid was used as a way of reflecting on the importance of these buildings as irreplaceable historical artefacts.

Nana Varveropoulou