Poet and citizen
A rare glimpse into the life of one of Greece’s most revered poets
From the moment he left school, the life of legendary Greek poet Giannis Ritsos was dedicated to his chosen art. He embarked on life which revolved around poetry and creation releasing one publication after the other. The twists and turns of this journey are now the subject of a new exhibition at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation.
Born in 1909, it was not until the 1970s that Ritsos received the fame he deserved and his work began to be truly appreciated. His poems – dealing with peace, reconciliation and love – touched the heart of young and old. Indeed, almost a century after they were written, his poems are still taught at schools throughout Greece and Cyprus. They are read over and over again, savoured and appreciated.
Moreover, Ritsos became known in international circles within his lifetime and was given a great number of awards both in Greece and abroad. His works have been translated into 18 languages, testament to the respect that Ritsos gained overseas. Among his most famous poetic work is the ‘Epitaph,’ published in 1936 and the later ‘Romiosini’ (Bravery) published in 1966.
Ritsos held very strong bonds with our island and expressed a particular fondness for Cypriots throughout his life and career. In 1974, following the Turkish invasion, Ritsos published the famed ‘National Anthem for Cyprus’. Thus, the aim of the current exhibition is to honour one of Greece’s greatest and most beloved poets of the 20th century and to reinforce the relationship of the artist with the island. “It is important to honour such a great man who represents Greek culture and this is why we chose to open our doors and welcome the public into Ritsos’ world… he is a master poet who stands by the values of Greek tradition and his work will be remembered for decades to come,” commented the director of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Centre, Lefki Michaelidou.
A stroll round the gallery reveals many interesting sights and surprises. You can view the original verse he has written by hand, his first publications, personal photographic material, and artistic creations made by the poet himself. It is in fact not known by many people that Ritsos had a great passion for drawing, particularly on stone and clay. More than just a poet, he loved to express himself through art.
The exhibition also offers the chance to watch a video installation about the artist. The biographical film looks into his family life, the places from which he drew inspiration, and the ways in which he created and worked. Michaelidou comments: “You see Ritsos as such a modest man in his private environment, spending time with his wife and child, taking a stroll on the beach… it captures a part of his life that one would never otherwise really get the chance to see”. More than this, Michaelidou enthuses that the exhibition presents “a great opportunity to gain insight into the various and multifaceted sides to Ritsos’ character – poet, artist, beloved father, husband, and a national hero”. Honourary awards that were given to Ritsos throughout his life are on show, and will give any visitor an indication of just how much admiration Ritsos gained in his life span.
On April 12 a talk will be given about the artist and his relationship with Cyprus by George Georgiou, historian and professor of the University of Cyprus.
Giannis Ritsos, Poet and the Citizen
Organised by the Embassy of Greece and the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation in cooperation with the Benaki Museum. Until May 6. Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation Exhibition Hall, Nicosia. 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday. Tel: 22 848174
