'Raiment of Soul,' extraordinary Greek exhibit
By Choe Chong-dae
Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is recognized as the cradle of Western civilization with its profound philosophical traditions, literary and theatrical genius, and foundational scientific and mathematical contributions. Greece is also the birthplace of the Olympic Games and democracy. The modern universal values of human rights, freedom, justice, fairness and the rule of law originate from ancient Greece.
A great number of Korean archeological artifacts excavated in Gyeongju, such as glassware, stone human figures and clay dolls exhibit influences of Hellenic, Persian and Arabian cultures. Remarkably, the faces of the two stone warriors standing guard in front a royal tomb of Silla have Western or Arabian features, suggesting that the ancient Unified Silla Dynasty of Korea engaged in cultural and trade with the Middle East and the West through the Silk Road. They expose contact with India, China, Rome and Hellenized Mediterranean culture.
Greece dispatched troops to Korea as part of the United Nations Allied Forces soon after the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. Thanks to their exemplary philanthropic spirit, more than 10,000 Greek Expeditionary Forces helped defend Korea's freedom and democracy.
Although Greece is far from Korea geographically, the countries have become closer thanks to an exhibition titled “Raiment of the Soul.”
On March 25, I had the great pleasure of being invited to tour the exhibition with a select group of guests. The tour was led by Ms. Ekaterini Loupas, Greece's ambassador to Korea. I was fortunate to enjoy detailed explanations of the craftsmanship of traditional Greek costumes by the ambassador herself. The exhibition is open to the general public until June 3 at KF Gallery in central Seoul, organized by the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in Seoul and the Korea Foundation (KF).
The photographs on display highlight distinctive works of artistic inspiration that honor the history of Greece through its most iconic garments.
Featured at the exhibition are unique and impressive portraits by visionary photographer Vangelis Kyris. He was inspired by the exquisite costume collection at the National Historical Museum of Athens to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821. That revolution resulted in the foundation of an independent Greek state after four centuries of Ottoman Empire rule. Embroidery artist Anatoli Georgiev transformed the printed canvases by embellishing colorful pigments with masterful needlework, employing golden, silver, silk and cotton threads.
Crafted during the 18th and 19th centuries in various regions of Greece, these costumes belonged to prominent figures of the Greek revolution such as courageous warriors of freedom, heroes and patriots including Otto, the first king of Greece. The bridal and festive costumes are sophisticated works of art that represent the collective modern Greek soul. They come from various regions of the Hellenic world which are historic crossroads of cultures. They symbolize the history of each locale. Each garment has distinctive fabrics and motifs influenced by both the Christian West and the Ottoman East. The costumes have unique expressions that are different yet complement each other. Reality is portrayed through a completely creative perspective.
I was most impressed by the photograph titled “Costume of Kyra Frosyni” representing 18th-century Ioannia. It is an innovative, hand-finished embroidery using gold cords, stitching and metal sequins on printed, cotton canvas.
As a significant encounter between Greek history, traditional culture and contemporary art, this special exhibition will raise our awareness of the beauty of elaborate Greek costumes that symbolize love, strength and the abundance of the soul of historic Greek culture itself.
Choe Chong-dae is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association. He can be reached at choecd@naver.com