Nyx, the Ancient Greek Goddess of the Night
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Traditional Greek costumes, some dating from the era of the 1821 Revolution, have been brought alive by contemporary artists in Athens.
Photographer Vangelis Kyris and decorator Anatoli Georgiev worked together for almost two years to create magnificent reproductions of traditional clothing worn by men and women of that time.
The impressive result, a tribute to the beauty and intricacy of Greek traditional clothing, highlights uniquely the wealth and diversity that distinguishes it.
Modern Greek embroidery flourished in all regions of Hellenism from the mid-18th to the late 19th centuries. Made by mainly anonymous creators, it is characterized by its rich content, color harmony, and executive perfection.
Depending on their use, they are distinguished in embroidery for household decoration, embroidery of traditional clothing, and ecclesiastical embroidery.
As to their form, they are classified as colored, white, with laces and gold-embroidered variations. The first three categories are products of female handicraft and the fourth is in the field of organized male handicraft.
The motifs of the embroideries survive from generation to generation and are decorative, narrative and symbolic.
Vangelis Kyris, born in Athens, Greece, began his multifaceted career as the fashion editor of Gynaika, one of Greece’s leading women’s magazines. His artistic vision led to collaborations with international publications such as Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire, as well as projects with brands like Lacoste, Puma, and Nina Ricci.
Kyris’s portfolio encompasses fashion editorials and celebrity portraits, including those of Woody Allen, Gisele Bündchen, Jerry Hall, and Jean Michel Jarre. His work has been featured in Giorgio Armani’s 2004 book “Facce da Sport” and the 2016 “Emotions of the Athletic Body” exhibition at the Armani/Silos Museum in Milan.
Anatoli Georgiev, born and raised in Bulgaria, displayed artistic talent from a young age, impressing his teacher with an embroidered outline of a pigeon. His creative expression evolved through dance and photography, and in 2014, he began a close collaboration with Vangelis Kyris. Georgiev’s natural inclination toward art has been enriched by diverse experiences, spanning decoration, dance costumes, and a deep understanding of aesthetics and quality.
The artistic partnership between Kyris and Georgiev has resulted in innovative works that blend photography and embroidery. One notable project, “Raiment of the Soul,” features contemporary individuals wearing traditional Greek garments from museum collections, photographed by Kyris and intricately embroidered by Georgiev. This collaboration breathes new life into historical attire, highlighting the richness and craftsmanship of Greek cultural heritage.
Their joint exhibitions have been showcased in various venues, including the Acropolis Museum in Athens and the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv. These exhibitions have garnered acclaim for their unique fusion of photography and textile art, offering a contemporary perspective on traditional garments and contributing significantly to the preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage.
