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Canadian duo wins Mamidakis Art Prize with lens-based installation Chronotopia in Crete

award · 2026-06-26

Caitlind R.C. Brown and Wayne Garrett, artists from Canada, have been awarded the G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation Art Prize for their installation titled Chronotopia (2026) at the Minos Palace Resort in Crete, crafted from unused eyeglass lenses. This work offers miniature perspectives while shielding viewers from the outside world. Residing in Calgary, the duo drew inspiration from Mediterranean mythology and history. Since they could not visit prior to their proposal submission, Garrett created a scale model. They are the first international recipients, selected from over 450 entries across 65 nations. Last year, Greek sculptor Danae Stratou received the honor. The collection, established by Gina Mamidaki, now surpasses 80 pieces, facing conservation issues due to outdoor conditions.

Key facts

  • Caitlind R.C. Brown and Wayne Garrett won the G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation Art Prize.
  • Their winning installation Chronotopia (2026) is made from hundreds of unused eyeglass lenses.
  • The work is on display at the Minos Palace Resort in Crete.
  • Brown and Garrett are the first international artists to win the prize.
  • This year’s competition received over 450 proposals from 65 countries.
  • The foundation was established by Gina Mamidaki and continues symposia that began in 1988.
  • The hotel’s art collection includes more than 80 works, including pieces by Magdalena Abakanowicz and Lynda Benglis.
  • Sea salt affects the lenses, requiring careful rinsing and wiping to prevent damage.

Entities

Artists

  • Caitlind R.C. Brown
  • Wayne Garrett
  • Danae Stratou
  • Stratis Tavlaridis
  • Katerina Nakou
  • Anish Kapoor
  • Lynda Benglis
  • Joseph Kosuth
  • Eleni Mylonas
  • Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Gina Mamidaki
  • Yota Dimitriou
  • Caitlind Brown

Institutions

  • G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation
  • Minos Palace Resort
  • Minos Beach Art Hotel
  • Fondazione George & Aristea Mamidakis
  • George & Aristea Mamidakis Foundation
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Crete
  • Greece
  • Calgary
  • Canada
  • Canadian Rocky Mountains
  • Agios Nikolaos
  • Athens
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Mediterranean

Sources