Journal of Design History Advance Access originally published online on June 26, 2007
Journal of Design History 2007 20(2):145-159; doi:10.1093/jdh/epm006
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Metamorphoses of Formalism: National Identity as a Recurrent Theme of Design in Greece
Independent Researcher, Athens
E-mail: artemis{at}yagou.gr
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Abstract |
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The tension between tradition and modernity occupies a fundamental position in the history of the modern Greek state. The discourse on national identity and the concept of ‘Greekness’ has been central to this tension. Within this discourse, the design of locally produced objects has been endowed with a special national aura and products have been viewed as exemplars of idealized qualities. Throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first, examples of local design production reflect the continuing presence of national identity concerns in the production of three-dimensional artefacts. Such examples illustrate the controversial influence that the issue of national identity has had on the development of design in Greece. I argue that the long-term obsession with Greekness has limited many design endeavours within the realm of formalism. This is further elaborated by suggesting a critical rethinking of design classifications along national lines. The concept of national identity is questioned and it is suggested that it obscures the depth and complexity of design historical processes.
Key Words: design • formalism • Greece • Greekness • national identity • nationalism
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