The Blue Procession

The blue procession is an art experience taking place during the journey to Kaloritsa, following the trail leading from Bazaios Tower up to the ruins of the Byzantine monastery on the hill of Prophitis Ilias. The artist Irini Gonou as a pilgrim is mapping the metaphorical journey in its proper space, marking its physical and spiritual territory, during the walking process.

In the realm of the ritual the amuletic aspect of the cloth is reaching its essential property. Equally protective the blue color evokes at the same time the spiritual search in the Mediterranean culture. Tracking the path along with the blue plant dyed cloths attached to the shrubs the protective power of the cloths is extended to join the plant’s natural ability of revival. Individual or collective the “path” is the metaphor of the pilgrim’s inner journey.

The Big Blue Cloth hanging in an alcove of the Byzantine ruin is marking the end of the path. Made out of cotton fabric dyed in blue and other natural materials attached on it, the Big Blue Cloth functions as a big amulet while at the same time is a nod to the annual circle of life, fertility, environmental balance and agriculture, a vital domain of the island’s activities.

The blue procession as an art experience-journey will complete the Fantasma art experience and will remain at the site of Kaloritsa from 23/5 up to 28/9/2017.