Homer’s ancient tale of homecoming, loyalty and survival is finding new expression in Chicago, where “The Odyssey Reimagined” opened at the National Hellenic Museum on Friday, Sept. 25. The exhibition brings together 16 contemporary artists whose work explores the human experiences at the heart of the Greek epic.
Working across painting, sculpture, photography, textiles and sound, the participating artists approach the story from different perspectives. Curated by Cortney Lederer and Sydney Gush of CNL Projects, the exhibition examines themes ranging from love and belonging to adversity and the consequences of individual choices, according to the museum’s opening announcement.
Participating artists, their families and friends joined art enthusiasts, philhellenes and museum supporters for a preview reception that filled the galleries.
Contemporary artists respond to Homer’s Odyssey
The exhibition draws on a story that has inspired generations for nearly 3,000 years. Homer’s “Odyssey” follows Odysseus’ long journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War, while his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, struggle to protect their household during his absence. Beneath its encounters with monsters, gods and temptation are questions about identity, perseverance and what it means to return home.
Those questions provide a starting point for the exhibition’s contemporary interpretations. The museum describes the project as an opportunity to explore how Greek stories and ideas continue to shape artistic expression, with works responding to themes including power, belonging and homecoming.
“Each generation has returned to the story from a different place and perspective, and these artists continue that tradition, inviting us to do the same,” the museum said in its announcement.
The participating artists are Kyriakos Alexandros, Jyl Bonaguro, Judith Brotman, Jenny Chi, Patricia Markos Dolan, Serena JV Elston, John Fotiadis, Yianna Foufas, Industry of the Ordinary, Gina Lee Robbins, Cydney M. Lewis, Rich Lo, Mina Papatheodorou Valyraki, Allison Svoboda, Diane Thodos and Kelsey Merreck Wagner.
The exhibition is sponsored by the John P. Calamos Foundation and the Christ N. Dalmares Family.
A year of exploring the Odyssey in Chicago
“The Odyssey Reimagined” is part of the museum’s broader “A Year With the Odyssey” program, which brings together exhibitions, discussions and other events examining the epic’s relevance to contemporary audiences. The initiative has included the museum’s Trial of Odysseus, a courtroom presentation at Chicago’s Harris Theater in March that explored whether the hero was justified in the actions he took to reclaim his home.
The program will also include Homerathon on Oct. 29 and 30, a communal reading of the poem presented in partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago’s Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies. The event will feature readings aloud in multiple languages.
“The Odyssey Reimagined” is scheduled to remain on view until January 2028. The National Hellenic Museum is located at 333 S. Halsted St. in Chicago, with regular visiting hours Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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