Avgousta Theodoulou

In the “Anadromi” (which means “Retrospection” in Greek) collection, Avgousta Theodoulou attempts to follow the thread of History and from the present to reach something from Cyprus of the antiquity. The collection is an ode to Cyprus. The inspiration’s starting point is one of its famous Kingdoms, that of Soli, with its Greek and later Roman influences, manifesting the cultural wealth of an island which is for centuries at the crossroad of interactions. More specific elements of inspiration are the geometrical representations of the Cyprogeometric period, the mosaics, the impressive ancient theater of Soli, the metallic objects and ceramics of the bronze era. These define a canvas in the colors of the Cypriot landscape.

Soli are located at the occupied part of Cyprus, same as for a significant part of her heritage. For decades, important historical sites, such as Soli, are hardly accessible and as a result they have faded as cultural references. Avgousta comes from a refugee family, her mother’s place of origin is Agia Triada. This is why contemplating this dimension of the Turk invasion and illegal occupation brings her intense emotions: The occupation blurs and constrains our historical horizon. Every attempt to see the historical thread of our places through the centuries finds difficulties to get further back from the events of the invasion.

A mention of the occupation is hence unavoidable in this occasion as well. To this end, the designer creates geometrical motifs that have as structural elements the two parts of Cyprus, the free and the occupied one, as well as the figure of the whole island. The message is against any type of division or occupation, and the urgent need for peace.