In spite of it, people have been given the chance to savour righteous pride, to take a break from the ill socio-economical image the country is currently associated with. Due to it, some might find the courage to gaze at the monsters we all need to face; others might do it with a sense of humor, because Greece fosters a hero for every demon that sees the light of the day.

With this idea in mind, and the understanding that Greece is arguably Europe’s new ‘Monster’, the design company Beetroot reversed the meaning of the monster, and re-invented it, paying special attention to what is most needed today: prospective.

Beetroot’s powerful re-introduction of a Greek creativity in the European world of design won the red-dot Communication Design Award, which nominated the company ‘the Agency of the Year 2011′; another reason of pride for the Greek people.

The results can be admired in the exhibition The Greek Monsters, currently at the Benaki Museum in Athens. Beetroot’s particular take on the subject makes sure that the visitor understands the dual meaning each monster embodies; especially when it comes to the function of perpetrator and victim. In this game of shadows and mirrors, key philosophical stands and design’s practices are well explored. All exhibits are inspired by the vivid ancient Greek mythology but depart from the most traditional design. An original poem by Paris Mexis is put side by side a neo-black figure that embodies the principle each monster stands for. In so doing, this game of montage achieves a vivid visual narration, and links each figure with symbols against racism, generalization and exclusion, which resonate in our society. As a result, each monster welcomes the person facing it as a post- modern identity that is both timeless and global.

If Olympiacos’ victory is the most visible achievement, and one the media cannot deny, there are several examples of well-developed work in the country, which tend to go unnoticed. These cases might not attract much attention, but they are not less representative of the kind of heroes Greece needs to fight the monsters within her heart.

If you do not know what I am talking about, I would suggest a visit to the Benaki museum. Once you find yourself face to face with your favourite monster, laugh and cry with it, and maybe gain forgotten prospective, you might even bring home Cerberus’ comforting lines as I did, and feel hope in your heat:

‘Sentinel of the truth

I watch

the before

the now

the after

My work ceases time

and when the anxiety

comes to an end

Harmony remains.’