Page 39 - ATHENS RIVIERA 2024

"I NEVER IMAGINED THINGS
WOULD CHANGE SO RAPIDLY.
I NAIVELY THOUGHT I WOULD
TRADITIONAL WAYS OF LIFE."
T he acropolis museum, in collaboration with
REFLECTING ON MOMENTS
Robert McCabe studies his photographs
on display at the Acropolis Museum,
reminiscing about the moments he
captured over the years, portraying the
faces and scenes of Greece.
038 039
RETURN EVERY YEAR TO
PHOTOGRAPH DIFFERENT
ISLANDS AND THEIR
the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek Na-
tional Tourism Organization, proudly presents
“Χαίρε Ξένε. In the land of dreams,” a captivat-
ing photography exhibition by Robert McCabe.
Running until September 8, 2024, this exhibi-
tion marks 70 years since McCabe first arrived
his “Greek era,” featuring approximately 100
photographs that highlight the timeless beau-
ty of Greece. in Greece and offers a unique retrospective of
Robert McCabe, an acclaimed photographer known for his
evocative and historical images, began his journey in photogra-
phy at a young age. Growing up in Chicago and New York, he
was influenced by his father, who was involved in the newspaper
business. McCabe’s first visit to Greece in 1954 ignited a life-
long passion for the country. His work captures Greece’s natural
beauty, cultural heritage, and the transformative journey of its
people and landscapes over the decades. McCabe’s photographs
not only document the past but also inspire a commitment to
preserving Greece’s unique identity for future generations.
Elsa Soimiri delves into McCabe’s early influences, his endur-
ing passion for Greece, and the significance of this evocative
collection.
Growing up in Chicago and New York with a father involved
in the newspaper business, how did this environment influ-
ence your early interest in photography?
My father was asked to run a picture newspaper in New York
City in the late 1930s. When I was five, he gave me a Kodak Baby
Brownie camera. It had fixed focus and exposure, so my only
task was to click the shutter. I started taking pictures, influenced
by the sensational images the newspaper favored. I also had easy
access to the chief photographer, learning a great deal from him.
Before your transformative first trip in 1954, you had little
interest in Greece compared to other European countries.
What were your perceptions of Greece before visiting, and
how did they change upon your arrival?
I was fascinated with France and the French language and knew
nothing about Greece. My trip happened because my brother
Charles was invited by a Greek friend. We planned a two-week
visit but stayed the entire summer, enchanted by the country’s
beauty and the incredible hospitality of our new friends. >