The DESTE Foundation is presenting Until That Day, a new installation by New York-based artist Nari Ward at its Project Space in the historic Slaughterhouse on the island of Hydra. Running until October 31, 2026, the exhibition is free to the public and invites visitors to engage with themes of migration, belonging and cultural identity.
The exhibition takes its title from Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie’s landmark 1963 speech at the United Nations, which later inspired Bob Marley’s iconic song War. Building on that historical reference, Ward has collaborated with a group of Afro-Greek musicians to create a musical response that accompanies the installation inside the Slaughterhouse.
Renowned for transforming discarded everyday materials into thought-provoking works, Ward turns his attention to the history and experiences of the African community in Greece. The exhibition explores issues of nationalism and displacement while highlighting the cultural contributions of African immigrants and refugees to contemporary Greek society.
Among the participating performers is traditional rebetika singer Aggelos Aggelou. Their contribution forms an integral part of the exhibition, creating an immersive experience that connects the site’s historic setting with the exhibition’s exploration of memory, identity and community.
Until That Day is on view at the DESTE Foundation Project Space: Slaughterhouse in Hydra from June 23 through October 31, 2026. Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the venue closed on Tuesdays. Admission is free.
