The Metropolitan Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Announces Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Hellenic Republic and the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens.
- The signing of the MOU follows the September 2022 ratification by the Greek Parliament of a historic agreement between The Met, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and the Museum of Cycladic Art that will bring 161 stunning Cycladic artefacts from the Leonard N. Stern Collection to The Met for a 25-year display starting in January 2024
The Cyclades are regarded one major birthplace of Western civilization. Yet, this primitive society lacked most of today’s technological advancements for leaving its mark behind.
In this period of early development the experience of the world was unique. The environment remained pure and untouched by economic and technological advancements.
For the Cycladic civilization embracing life was a gradual process akin to attending the growth of a flower.
While the Cycladic artifacts offer a wealth of information, they also possess a hidden depth.
The paradox is that they remain active, eager to listen to what our modern society has to say in this conversation.
Today our access to the Cycladic artifacts is an invitation for understanding and action.
In literal terms the artworks are challenging us to consider what has already been offered and what ‘our’ contribution is going to be in response.
This genuine symbolic communicative exchange through their design is a testament of their genius
The artefacts transcend temporal existence to create a true and recognizable artistic legacy. A legacy that will stay in the passing of hundreds of centuries.
We pay homage to this legacy.
We acknowledge their significance through the application of colour and its application onto the identity matrix between many country nations.
Our aim through an ‘ethnic style’ (on the widely circulated ornament known as ‘Devotion shown below) is to make a connection with people from various nations regardless their geographical territory.
Through a simple posture of a profound embrace the Cycladic people produced this artefact. It shows a loving couple. Their figurative posture conveys an extraordinary sent of warmth.
UKRAINE
The size of this reproduction gives us the opportunity to utilize its ample white space presenting a wide range of ethnic productions.
Our presentation of the diverse national colours is like a massive choir. It many tones and rhythms all harmoniously singing together.
Colour is deeply tied to cultural identity and often becomes a cause of conflict between countries. Colour combinations are a statement not simply a representation!
Their presentation can reflect beliefs, values, and traditions.
The couple’s unique ‘embrace’ is inviting us to the notion of acceptance, ‘trust’, ‘love’, and ‘peace’.
SWEDEN
Our hand-painting techniques deploy various colours by considering each country’s national flag.
We capture the ongoing message about ‘diversity’ and ‘unity’.
Placing all these artifacts together creates a sacred moment of silence.
Viewers are finding themselves participating in a religious form as of ‘divine communion’.
