An active artistic attraction has created in Rio, Eleftherios Rouliasbuilding through his workshop, an enclave of culture and a beacon of historical memory and patriotism.
Next to his wood-carved bacteria
Mr. Roulias, who is a retired officer of the Coast Guard, pulsates with the false ideals of the national consciousness and is consumed by the inexhaustible relics of the heroic figures of the nation, having set up inside his personal base – refuge, literally, his own “Blue Homeland”:
It is a fabric, on which his wife has embroidered the map of our country, with the addition of eastern Thrace, which of course also includes the lamp of Byzantium, City of Constantine the Great. This work ignites the unquenchable flame of the restless creator, who with the flickering of his torch art, illuminates the path of his artistic work.
At the same time, with his flexible and sharp chisel, he has crafted a series of original woodcarved works, representing eerie bird figures and imaginative abstract representations of embryonic beings of the animal kingdom. At the same time, he has created from natural reed a large series of bacteria, on the handle of which he has formed characteristics of visors.
Eleftherios Roulias, two years ago, had presented with exceptional success and resonance, in the hall of the Spiritual Center of I.N. Agios Georgios Rios, a large exhibition for the 200 years since the Revolution of 1821, which was based on this material.
But inside his humble workshop, the gaze of every visiting art lover is captivated by the imposing wood-carved double-headed eagles of the Byzantine Empire, the Ark of Christian Civilization, which stretched from Italy to the eastern borders of Syria and for 11 centuries was the catapult of the expansionist politics of Islam and the mound of barbarism of western Europe.
Under the emblem of the power of Byzantium and the symbol of the eternal Greek Orthodox Culture, a prominent place is occupied by the sculpted shields of the three Corps of the Greek Army and the Security Forces.
The wood-carved double-headed eagles
“THEY CRUSHED HIS WINGS”
The artist himself notes in “P”:
“On May 29, 2020, the Turks in Istanbul celebrated the Fall of the City with many provocative events. During the celebration, a group of Turkish Islamists with religious fanaticism and in an overtly provocative manner, dancing and chanting, took an effigy of the Double-Headed Eagle, crumpled its wings, and then plunged and disappeared it into the mud, to prove that the cowardly, to us orthodox Greeks their strength.
They chose the Double Headed Eagle which was the emblem of the power of the Byzantine Empire. And a symbol of Greek Orthodox Culture. This Two-Headed Man was taken and plunged into the muddy waters by the cowardly Turkish Islamists, chanting “The City is coming”, as they are sworn enemies of the Greek Orthodox Civilization. But the resurrected Two-Headed One does not die a second time. He lives immortal in the hearts of the Greeks, he is standing and strong and with his two heads looking to the East towards Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus, and with a beautiful cry he thunders: “Again in years and times it will be ours again”! And we add ”It’s shooting weather”. This Two-Headed Man, we put him in the ranks of immortal heroes and we will honor him as he deserves”.
Showing off his wood carving creations
#Blue #Homeland #Rio #artistic #base #Eleftherios #Roulias #PHOTO
**Interview with Eleftherios Roulias: A Beacon of Cultural Heritage in Rio**
**Editor:** Good morning, Mr. Roulias, and thank you for joining us today. Your artistic enclave in Rio has drawn significant attention for its emphasis on cultural memory and patriotism. What inspired you to create this space and delve into these themes?
**Eleftherios Roulias:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. The motivation to create this space stems from my deep passion for our nation’s history and the values that have shaped our identity. As a retired Coast Guard officer, I have always felt a strong connection to the sea and our homeland. I wanted to create a place where art serves as a reminder of our past, particularly the heroic figures who fought for our freedom.
**Editor:** Your work, especially the map of Greece that your wife has embroidered, holds significant historical connotations. Can you explain the importance of including Eastern Thrace and the lamp of Byzantium in your creation?
**Eleftherios Roulias:** Certainly. Including Eastern Thrace in our map symbolizes the broader cultural and historical ties of our nation. The lamp of Byzantium, which represents the City of Constantine, is a beacon of our heritage and resilience. It signifies the connection we have with our past and the ongoing journey to preserve and honor it, reminding visitors of our shared history.
**Editor:** You’ve also crafted a variety of striking wood-carved sculptures and other pieces in your workshop. What themes or messages do you hope to convey through these artworks?
**Eleftherios Roulias:** My sculptures are a reflection of life and the beauty of nature, as well as the complex relationship we have with our history. For example, my wood-carved double-headed eagles symbolize not only the Byzantine Empire but also the continuity of Greek Orthodox culture. Through these works, I aim to connect viewers with emotions tied to our identity, while also sparking dialogue about our shared future.
**Editor:** I understand you had a successful exhibition commemorating the 200th anniversary of Greece’s Revolution of 1821. What was that experience like for you?
**Eleftherios Roulias:** The exhibition was a monumental moment for me. It felt like a celebration of our spirit and perseverance. The reception was overwhelming, and to see communities connect with the works was deeply rewarding. It reinforced my belief that art can be a powerful catalyst for reflection and conversation about our national identity.
**Editor:** Lastly, you mentioned in a recent statement the provocative events surrounding the celebration of the Fall of Constantinople. How do you see these events influencing your work and your message?
**Eleftherios Roulias:** Those events were deeply disturbing and serve as a reminder of the historical struggles we face. They embolden me to create even more meaningful work that not only preserves our past but also serves as a counter-narrative. My aim is to empower and inspire others to embrace our shared heritage through art, fostering a sense of unity and pride among Greeks around the world.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Roulias, for sharing your insights and passion with us. Your dedication to preserving Greek culture through art is truly inspiring.
**Eleftherios Roulias:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share my work and thoughts.