Liberty Polyzou – Art Historian
Member of the Board of the Vorres Museum and President of the Vorres Museum Friends.
Liberty Polyzou is a modern-day muse and we are fortunate to have her in our country, as she has made significant contributions to contemporary culture. An intellectual and thoughtful woman, she was raised in London and graduated from Hitchin High School for Girls. Raised by a family that loved art and with a social circle of prominent Greek and foreign artists, her contact with the art world came very early in her life and became her life. As an Art Historian and a collector herself, she is adept and skillful in revealing the artist’s inner world and their historical journey. She has received both Greek and international awards for her scripts and scientific curation in the films “Panagiotis Tetsis: Playing with Colors” and “Dimitris Mytaras – Idols in the Mirror.”
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?
The recognition of my work did not come for free. After meticulous study and dedication, recognition followed. Being, at a young age, privileged to come into contact and collaborate with giants of modern Greek art, such as the great masters Tetsis, Mytaras, Moralis, Kokkinidis, as well as other eminent veterans of the genre like Angelos, Drougas, Manolides, Karas, Fasianos… Additionally, when the late Ion Vorres appointed me to the Board of Directors of the Vorres Museum and made me the President of the museum’s friends, I experienced their acceptance, and with this support, I naturally moved forward, owing them a great deal.
Have you experienced any gender-specific challenges with people who tried to set obstacles in your way and discourage you?
Absolutely not. I always had the support I deserved within my family and also outside of it with excessive admiration; I am grateful. As for inequality, it is redefined according to the era; let us not forget the position of women throughout the centuries. Today, our field has a strong scent of a woman as a reference to historical figures, unlike those who produce works of art. Indeed, women creators have always faced obstacles, but I believe that this is gradually being rectified.
Is there something you wish you had known when you started your career?
I did not realize the importance of the opportunities that were presented to me. “Opportunities always seem bigger when they’re gone than when they appear,” Seferis had very accurately said. So, seize any small or big opportunity that knocks on your door, because it might be the only one.
