An imaginary creature to protect the Mediterranean

The workshop explored the iconography of ancient statues and statuettes to create new imaginary creatures to protect the Mediterranean. Participants worked in groups. They were given cards briefly presenting a current and urgent problem linked to the environment or human habitat in the Mediterranean. Of the many possible topics, the workshop addressed five: sea-level rise, invasive species, plastic pollution, unprotected human migration and the disappearance of Posidonia Oceanica meadows. Each group chose an issue to work on.

Images of ancient Mediterranean statues and statuettes, mainly from nearby Amathonte, were then used to explore their forms, symbols and powers. Using open-ended questions and examples, facilitators encouraged participants to visually imagine a new creature capable of helping to solve the chosen problem: what would this creature need to offer some form of protection? New body parts, objects, machines, superpowers, symbols, etc.?

This exploration and decision-making was supported by collaborative brainstorming and the writing down of ideas. Combining ancient and contemporary visual elements, collage and line drawing, participants created vibrant, meaningful images of modern protectors of the Mediterranean.

At the end of the creative process, through discussion and presentation, each group named their creature and gave a brief description, sometimes leading to the creation and sharing of a short story.

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Additional information:
We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus for giving us permission to use the images of the Amathonte statuettes belonging to the Department.

Our special thanks also go to artist Mary Plant for allowing us to use images of her work from her series of aniconic representations of Aphrodite, which were included in the material for teachers.

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Despo Pasia & Elena Panagiotou

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