PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE Kostas Lefkochir and Human Rights In the 10th of December 2007, the international day of human rights, the European Community is presenting a book dedicated to actions in favor of human rights and democracy worldwide. The text is accompanied by a series of paintings of the Greek artist Kostas Lefkochir, who lives in Liege. The frequently, unbearable conditions that humans especially children live in certain countries of the world, is an issue that has troubled the painter in the course of many years. Many of the paintings arised from his worries and hopes, especially the work that he did after an encounters with Africa and the children of Togo. The European Community motivated by the presentation of the book in relation to human rights, invited Kostas Lefkochir to present in Berlaymont a set of works inspired by the special moments he lived with the children of Togo. Exhibition from 10 until 14 of December 2007 Berlaymont, exhibition hall 1st floor 170, rue de la Loi 170 1040 Brussels Opening Day Monday 10th of December at 18.30 (admission by invitation only) The exhibition will be presented by Mr. Claude Lorent, journalist of cultural events, in charge of the exhibition and editorial director of Palais des Beaux-Arts of Brussels. Presentation of the book: European Union                                          Human Rights and Democracy across the globe   Claude Lorent, The look in human value Free Belgium- November of 2006 The choice of black and white is not coincidental and does not derive from a need for simplicity, but sets itself between a sparkle of light and the burden of dramas, it is simultaneously hope and reality of human kind that confronts the demise of values. The artist in the whole spectrum of his work is situating this obvious representation in a first level, although most of the times he wanted to be in a subliminal one, distant from the named things and the actual beings. With this choice he wants to declare the significance of life in a world that very often seems to sacrifice it. In the look of children, in the bright whiteness and in the bottomless blackness, beyond sentiments and emotions that touch upon our most sensitive features, the artist is talking about the present and future of people.   Practical information of the edition: Title:  European Union           Human Rights and Democracy across the globe 5000 copies in English this year 5000 copies in French in the upcoming year 32 pages 15 photographs of Kostas Lefkohir, including one in the front cover   For Information:    Alvaro Mason                                 European Commission. Information and communication                                 Tel. ++32 2 299 91 51                                 e-mail: alvaro.mason@ec.europa.eu