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20-01-2023 14:27 |
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(National Library, Vienna, 20 January 2023) Honorable guests, Ladies and gentlemen, Let me first of all extend my
warm gratitude to our Honorable Speakers, Excellencies Ms Ghada Waly and Ms
Helga Schmid for their inspiring speeches and their presence at the
inauguration of our Photographic Exhibition “ELLE – Cyprus in the feminine”. This Photographic Exhibition is
indeed a Hymn to Women, femininity and at the same time to their Strength and
Power; to their vigilance and their prudence; tο their stamina. Throughout
history, the role of women in society and in government has evolved in multiple
ways, but has always been influential and vital to the social web. What we’ve seen, even in our
own lifetime, is that change in perceptions, associated with the pursuit of
equality is possible. That’s why we have to intensify this struggle;
because there are battles that still need to be fought and we have in no way,
reached our destination, towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable
world. Honorable guests, It is a pleasure and an honor
for me, to inaugurate this remarkable photographic exhibition of the Press
and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus, here in Vienna. This venue,
the Austrian National Library, is of great significance with remarkable
historical and cultural collections. Our photographic exhibition,
aims to present to the public, one of the many aspects of the long and rich
history of Cyprus. Cyprus, the eastern-most island
in the Mediterranean Sea, situated at the crossroads of three continents,
Europe, Asia and Africa, has been a meeting point for the world’s greatest
civilizations. Our island with its 11,000-year history, has a
distinctive culture and history. This exhibition unveils the
sculpted depictions of divinities, female statuettes and figurines that are
part of the collections of the Cypriot Department of Antiquities. They are
mainly displayed at the Cyprus Museum in Lefkosia and at the Archaeological Museum
of Lemesos. The sculpted depictions, illustrate different styles of Cypriot
art, from the Chalcolithic period, around the fourth millennium BC, to the
Roman era around the fourth millennium AD. The photographic gaze of our
photographer, Stefanos Kouratzis, guides and reveals to us the unique way of
the hidden divinities of fertility, the votive figurines of the Cypro-Archaic
period, but also the legendary Greek and Egyptian goddesses of the
Hellenistic and Roman periods. Observing the sculptures through a different
visual gaze, spectators become once again witnesses of the singularity of the
civilization of Cyprus. Dear friends, It is well known that in the
past, archaeology had invested photography with a single mission to document
and record for inventory purposes. Through the distinct aesthetic and
sensitivity with which the photographer approaches each statue individually,
Cypriot sculpture is unveiled and we are mentally transported to the rich
historical and cultural past of our island. In this framework, through a new
and multifaceted approach, the Press and Information Office of the Republic
of Cyprus utilizes photographic exhibitions as a tool for better promoting
Cyprus’ civilization and culture at home and abroad. Dear guests, This exhibition has become a
reality following an initiative of the Director of the Press and Information
Office Ms Aliki Stylianou. Taking this opportunity, allow me to thank all the
colleagues and associates at the Press and Information Office for their zeal
and hard work, and to express special thanks to the Ambassador Maria Michail
and the staff of the Embassy for their commitment in making this exhibition a
reality. As we are gathered here today,
the Press and Information Office of Cyprus, becomes a patron to a historic
map of Cyprus[1]
which is part of the Library’s collection, by offering a symbolic donation to
the Austrian National Library. The distinguished representative of the
National Library will elaborate on the historical significance of this map. With the patronage of this
historic map, the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Interior, through
the Press and Information Office, underline our commitment to the
preservation and promotion of our rich historical and cultural heritage which
guide us to the future! Thank you.
[1]
“Acamantis Insula hoggidi Cipro : Posseduta dalla Republica Veneta sin'
all'Anno 1571 Dal P. Cosmografo Coronelli : Dedicata All'Illustrissimo, et
Eccellentissimo Signore Gio. Battista Cornaro Piscopia, Procuratore di S.
Marco, et e. Coronelli, Vincenzo, 1650-1718 [MitwirkendeR] (EFys/EP) |
