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A Sense of Cavafy, 2007
Porcelain, glass, wood, 65 x 60 x 60 cm
Donated by the artist
Inv. Number
Π.12996
The work is inspired by C.P. Cavafy’s poem “Artificial Bloom”
C.P. CAVAFY
Artificial Bloom
I do not want real narcissi – neither lilies
Nor real roses appeal to me
They only adorn platitudinous and common gardens
Their flesh inculcates bitterness, weariness and grief to me
Their perishable beauty bores me
Give me artificial blooms – glories of porcelain and metal –
That do not wither and rot, with images that do not age
Blooms of the marvelous gardens of another land,
Where Theories, Rhythms and Knowledge reside
I love blooms made of glass or gold,
True gifts of faithful Art
Painted with colours more lovely than the natural,
Elaborate with nacre and enamel,
With ideal leaves and branches
Their grace taken from wise and purest Elegance
They did not grow dirty in dust and mud
If they have no scent, we shall pour fragrance
(And) We shall burn sentimental scents before them
Translated by Yannis Kaloudis
from the exhibition catalogue
C.P.Cavafy “Pictured”. 40 Contemporary Greek Creators