The Gorgon Mosaics Concept

Gorgon Mosaics Mood board

I’ve been debating for a while whether to jump in the world of NFTs (will analyse on a separate post the pros and cons in my mind) but eventually decided to let the energy of the web3 carry me away and get on with creating my first collection, The Gorgon Mosaics.

Plenty of ideas wrestled in my mind as to what would that first collection be about. I originally started working on a collection designing the Olympian Gods, but the idea that prevailed at the end was around a simpler, meditative design that put emphasis on colour, a very simple decorative motif inspired from Greco-Roman Art.

I also used the opportunity to share my love for Greek Mythology and Greek and Roman history with the lore of my project.

Each design has the etymology of its name, represents a Roman Value, has its location- one of key cities of the Greco-Roman world, divine protection and holds a hidden symbol of power.

I viewed naming the pieces as a great opportunity not only share the story behind the different names, but also start a conversation around wider topics, for instance the influence of women in sciences and art, the legacy of artists and the evolution of storytelling and poetry.

The etymology of the names, ἐτυμολογία from ἔτυμον “true, real” and λόγος “word, idea”, seemed a bit trickier as sometimes it is debatable, but I tried to stay as true to each meaning as possible taking into account the personal story behind a name as well. As any Greek I was fearful of coming of as too much of a Portokalos, but hopefully I steered clear.

Personal virtues are the heart of Via Romana, the direct application of Roman ethic and philosophy in the everyday life. The idea of virtue and ethic in the ancient world was of utmost importance and was at the core of day to day life Vs at the core of only company strategy decks today. It’s a nice reminder and excersice to reflect on the values that guide our life today.

Location of the mosaics gave me the opportunity to share the history, but also the present of key continuously inhabited greco-roman cities. Nice list as we slowly pick up travelling again.

For divine protection I veered off beyond Olympus to include some not widely known gods that hold deep spiritual and philosophical significance. It’s impressive to explore how some elements and religious practices have transcended through time and space.

The last piece of the puzzle, the hidden symbols of power, are a selection of symbols, deep rooted in myth that hold an often times universal meaning.

I’m looking forward and expanding on this collection, much like mythology has evolved with every cultural exchange, every conflict and every union, every travel and every time it was re-told.