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Where is EMST's compass pointing?
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Where is EMST's compass pointing?

From Kathimerini · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) in Athens is reorienting its collection towards the "Southeast" in a bid to move beyond Anglo-Saxon and Western European cultural models.
  • This shift is influenced by discussions about the "decline of the West" and Greece's geopolitical and cultural position, drawing on ideas from author Sean Matthews.
  • The exhibition "South by Southeast" invites visitors to reconsider Greece's identity, embracing its Eastern orientation rather than solely its Western influences.

The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) in Athens is undertaking a symbolic reorientation of its collection, aiming to shift focus away from long-standing adherence to Anglo-Saxon and Western European cultural standards that have characterized Greek modernity since independence. The exhibition "South by Southeast – Orienting Towards the Collection" signals this move.

Institutions in Greece often resemble those in the Middle East, not Europe. When family is above the law and bureaucracy is extremely 'Byzantine'.

— Sean MatthewsQuoted by the article, Matthews describes perceived characteristics of Greek institutions.

This initiative is partly inspired by discussions regarding the perceived "decline of the West" and Greece's unique geopolitical and cultural standing. Museum director Katerina Gregou references the ideas of Greek-American author and journalist Sean Matthews, particularly his book "The New Byzantines: The Rise of Greece and Return of the Near East." Matthews suggests Greece belongs to the Near East due to its culture, history, and religion, positioning Greeks as "New Byzantines" caught between a strong East and a weakening West.

All these exist in Greece, for better or worse, and are elements of an Eastern political culture.

— Sean MatthewsMatthews' observation on Greek political culture, as cited in the article.

Gregou's curatorial note invites the public to re-examine Greece's historical, geopolitical, and cultural place, encouraging a perspective beyond the "Western gaze." The museum seeks to highlight the dynamism emerging from the country's "southeast orientation." This approach acknowledges the historical paths opened by ancient Greek civilization and the legacy of Byzantium, while also considering contemporary challenges like economic and migration crises.

beyond the long-standing adherence to Anglo-Saxon and Western European cultural standards, which has characterized Greek modernity since independence.

— Katerina GregouGregou's description of the exhibition's aim in her curatorial note.

The trend of de-Westernization is not unique to EMST. Many voices are discussing the potential fading of Western influence and its implications. While some see the current fluidity as an opportunity for the West to find its footing again, others, like Matthews, argue that Greece's cultural and historical ties place it closer to the East. The museum's exhibition aims to explore this complex positioning, potentially featuring artists whose origins lie in the Near East and who found creative freedom in the West.

The New Byzantines: The Rise of Greece and Return of the Near East

— Sean MatthewsThe title of Matthews' book, referenced by the museum director.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathimerini in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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