Robert McCabe’s “Lively Matter” Exhibition Opens at Vassaltis Vineyards

To celebrate a decade of passion for fine wine and hospitality, Vassaltis Vineyards in Santorini, together with its sister property The Vasilicos, has launched a powerful exhibition by the acclaimed American photographer Robert McCabe. Titled “Lively Matter: A Photographic Documentation of Santorini from 1954 to 1964”, and curated by Christina Petkopoulou, the exhibition officially opened on the evening of Saturday, May 31, 2025, with the presence of McCabe himself and a warm gathering of art lovers, locals, and visitors.

The exhibition is a visual time capsule. It revisits Santorini as seen through McCabe’s lens during his first travels to the island – when it was still remote, untouched by mass tourism, and inhabited by a community deeply connected to the land, the sea, and the wind.

Unlike a passing traveler, McCabe photographed Santorini with the attentiveness of a naturalist. His images document not only the people but also the raw elements of the island – stone, ash, sulfur, sea, and sun – as active players in the narrative of life on this volcanic terrain. These photographs aren’t just snapshots of a moment in time; they are “portraits” of a living landscape, where humans, animals, and nature coexist and shape each other.

The exhibition is part of the Municipality of Thira’s initiative “Santorini 2025: A Year of Authenticity”, and will be open to the public until October 30, 2025, daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with free admission.

The setting at Vassaltis Vineyards could not be more fitting. The winery’s open architecture allows the natural elements – light, breeze, volcanic stone – to flow in, merging the spirit of the island with the spirit of its wines. In this way, McCabe’s photographic story finds a perfect contemporary home, bridging past and present through art, nature, and culture.

A Deeper Look: “Santorini, Portrait of a Vanished Era”

For those wishing to dive deeper into McCabe’s work, we highly recommend the stunning book Santorini: Portrait of a Vanished Era, available at Santorini.net.

This 188-page hardcover edition, with beautiful black-and-white photographs taken between 1954 and 1964, complements the current exhibition with remarkable depth. Reproduced in exquisite tritone, the images bring to life a bygone Santorini—one of whitewashed cave houses, donkey paths, tomato harvests, and daily rituals shaped by nature and resilience.

Alongside the photographs are two insightful essays by Greek journalist Margarita Pournara. One evokes her grandmother’s childhood memories on the island, while the other explores the geological history behind Santorini’s dramatic landscape.

Whether you’ve already visited Santorini or dream of doing so, McCabe’s images and storytelling offer a rare and emotional window into the island’s essence – one that lingers far beyond the postcard-perfect views.

📖 Explore the book here: Santorini: Portrait of a Vanished Era – available now on Santorini.net