the perplexities of beginning *, 2021

Two almost identical two color thread embroideries on white cotton fabric, 18 x 21cm each.

This double embroidery reproduction of a stamp worth 4 drachmas, which was published on the 1st of April 1930, depicts the two phases of the Greek Deliverance: 1890 and 1930.

Its publication was part of the production of a commemorative series of the centenary of Independence, printed in the English printing houses Bradbury Wilkinson & Co and Perkins, Bacon & Co.

The whole series of the commemorative stamps consists of the following 19 depictions of representations and heroic figures of the Greek Revolution: R. Feraios, Patriarch Gregory V, Al. Ypsilantis, Ath. Diakos, L. Bouboulina, K. Kanaris, T. Kolokotronis, G. Karaiskakis, M. Botsaris, A. Miaoulis, L. Kountouriotis, I. Kapodistrias, P. Mavromichalis, D. Solomos, A. Korais, Map of Greece, Agia Lavra, the Siege of Missolonghi and Arkadi.

This particular edition provoked controversial reactions and was criticized for the choice and physiognomy of the depicted persons and the historical accuracy of the map of Greece **.

Stamps have a great potential for dissemination, they are used as tools for intercultural exchange and diplomacy. This work becomes the means of exploring an introspective reflection on concepts such as revolution, independence, national and individual identity, historicity and historical memory.

* The phrase is included in a book by Hannah Arendt (Arendt, Hannah, and Jonathan Schell. On Revolution. Penguin Classics, 2006.)
** Parts of the text are excerpts from the doctoral dissertation of Myrsini Vardopoulou (Vardopoulou, Myrsini. Ideological and Aesthetic Management of Greek Stamps 1861-1961, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. School of Social Sciences & Psychology, 2015. Many thanks to the Philatelic and Postal Museum of Greece for its contribution to the research.

This embroidery is part of the group exhibition organised by grcollectors under the title “1821, Visual of a Revolution” to commemorate the 200 years of the Greek Revolution of 1921. Under the Patronage of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

The opening of the digital exhibition and the 3D virtual tour took place online on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at the specially designed website www.optiki1821.gr and through the platform www.grcollectors.com.

1821, Visual of a Revolution, organized by GR collectors, curated by Eleni Gatsa, War Museum, Rizari 2-4, Athens.

The original 1930 stamp by ELTA.