From April 16 to July 30, 2023, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) presents «From Chaos to Order: Greek Geometric Art from the Sol Rabin Collection«
Source: Denver Art Museum (DAM) · Image: Greek (Samos), wheeled chariot, 800-700 BC, bronze, Sol Rabin Collection.
This exhibition explores an expressive period of Greek art, between 900 and 700 BC., which is characterized by balance, symmetry and rhythm, all aimed at refining the concept of beauty to its elemental core.
“From chaos to order” explores the various artistic elements and motifs that defined the “geometric” period of Greek art and that allowed artists to endure their meaning and reflections over time, while continuing to use only the essential elements of the simple and stylized design. The presentation has 57 worksmany of which are on display to the public for the first time, including ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, decorative objects, etc.
«This unique collection gives us an insight into the important cultural values of the time.“, said Christopher Henry, director of the DAM. «Class structure, music, poetry, religion, and ideals of beauty are explored and preserved so that we can continue to learn about this fundamental culture that has done so much to shape our society today.«.
The era of Greek geometric art gets its name from the geometric patterns found on the decorative vessels of the 200 years spanning this period, approximately from 900 to 700 BC. In addition to various examples of these vessels, it is the exploration of the other works and motifs of the period that truly provide a unique insight into the culture, its impact and lasting influence.
The dominant forms of storytelling at the time were epic poems, such as the iliad and the Odyssey of Homer, and music, which often went hand in hand, demonstrating their own patterns in exploring life. Many of the pieces presented in this exhibition explore themes related to, among others, class systems and their transmission, religious rituals, and personal ornaments.
