Χαρά Κουρταλή

“MARE NOSTRUM”

Mare Nostrum is based on the idea of a union, opposite to the current model of the European Union. A union of the many, different cultures and societies of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite many contrasts (religious, geographical, social) all these cultures have one common thing, the “Mare Nostrum”, the “Inner Sea”. As a result, throughout their very deep history, extensive interactions have taken place, revealing cultural imprints and overlappings. I chose two cultures as a starting point for this project, the Cycladic culture and the Islamic culture. My intention is to examine how contrasts and differences can be combined to express power and beauty. East and West, old and new, corporality and spirituality, abstract and decorative, light and shadow, near and far, opposing, together.