Greek mythology is as varied as it can seem unfathomable, but perhaps its most remarkable quality, overtime, has been its capacity to permeate the collective consciousness of audiences and cultures through the centuries and still today. Inextricably linked to another great civilization, Rome, Ancient Greek culture is not challenged by many in its power to captivate the imagination of peoples across time, even in the over-stimulated disposition of today’s contemporary scene. Join us as we explore this introduction to Ancient Greek mythology, from its pantheon of Olympic gods to the more relatable myths and legends that have become part of the Western canon in art history.

Greek myths, steeped in ancient lore and timeless wisdom, offer a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of human imagination and the enduring power of storytelling. Among the myriad of examples, two poignant tales stand out for their exploration of love, loss, and the inexorable forces of fate. The story of Persephone's abduction by Hades, god of the underworld, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of temptation and the inevitability of change. As the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, Persephone frolics innocently in the fields until she is seized by Hades and taken to the underworld against her will. Her abduction plunges the world into darkness and despair, as her mother Demeter, goddess of the harvest, mourns her loss and refuses to let the earth bear fruit until her daughter is returned. Ultimately, Persephone is allowed to return to the surface for part of the year, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, making her an emblem for Spring. The story, which Roman mythology adapted with the new names (Proserpina and Pluto), is featured not once but twice in the show LIVING GODS, with the title Abduction of Proserpina, following the composition of the well-known Baroque sculpture, of the same name, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Similarly, the myth of Apollo and Daphne explores the transformative power of love and the tragic consequences of unrequited desire. Apollo, Olympic god, falls in love with the nymph Daphne, who flees from his advances and pleads with her father, a river god, to save her from Apollo's pursuit. In a desperate bid for escape, Daphne is transformed into a laurel tree, her flesh turning to bark and her limbs sprouting leaves. Apollo, unable to possess his beloved, is left to mourn her loss and immortalize her in the form of the laurel wreath, which becomes a symbol of victory and poetic inspiration. The myth offers profound moral lessons about the nature of love, desire, and the inevitability of change. Apollo and Daphne caution against the dangers of unchecked desire and the need for acceptance and understanding in matters of the heart. For LIVING GODS, Foreman depicts the myth following another of Bernini's world-famous compositions, also shown in the Galleria Borghese, reminding us that, in the timeless tales of Greek mythology, we find echoes of our own struggles and triumphs, illuminating the complexities of the human experience and offering insights into the mysteries of the soul.

Beyond the realm of the gods, Greek mythology is replete with epic heroes whose exploits have become the stuff of legend. Chief among them is Heracles, the mighty demigod renowned for his incredible strength and his twelve labors, which tested his courage and resolve. Perseus, armed with a winged helmet and a magical sword, embarks on a perilous quest to slay the dreaded Gorgon, Medusa. Jason and the Argonauts brave the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean in search of the Golden Fleece, while Odysseus, the wily hero of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, endures a decade-long journey fraught with trials and tribulations on his quest to return home to Ithaca.

As we journey through the labyrinthine corridors of Greek mythology, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of these ancient tales and the profound impact they continue to have on art, literature, and culture to this day. From Renaissance or Baroque artists (like the ones referenced in LIVING GODS) to contemporary filmmakers and authors, artists of every stripe have drawn inspiration from the timeless wisdom and timeless tales of Greek mythology, weaving them into the fabric of our collective imagination. In the current exhibition at the Galerie de Buci, Reinar Foreman reinterprets a selection of myths from Greek Antiquity to remind us of the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul.