Athenians followed in procession on their way to participate in the Sacred Mysteries of Elefsis city. A yard of wonders opens before you as you pass the workshop entrance—a secret temple. It’s like you’re moving into another place and time. Dozens of clay statues, hundreds of antlers, and scattered clay objects make visitors stand in admiration, surprise, and awe. The 12 gods of Olympus, Heracles, Dionysus, Hermes, Demeter, Athena, Poseidon, the nine muses, Caryatids, sphinxes, eagles, and lions lead you to a paradoxical universe made of earth, water, fire, and air.
Babis (Charalambos) Goumas was born in Athens in 1950. His grandfather was a potter from Sifnos, an island with a tradition in Greek ceramics, and it was he who introduced him to the magic of this ancient art. From a young age, Gouams learned and practiced the art of neoclassical ceramic sculpture in the workshop of his father Konstantinos, in the exact same place where he is today. His childhood playground, like his home, was inside the [laboratory]. He made his first large-scale statue, of the muse of poetry, Erato, at the age of 18.
Since then, he has been creating statues of unique beauty, bringing to life images of beautiful neoclassical Athens that follow in the footsteps of the architect Ernestos Ziller. He gives life to statues and reproduces ceramic objects and all kinds of clay artefacts–capitals, acrokerama, capitals, and furousia. His collection of original molds is unique. Other works he copies originate from rare pieces he has found in antique shops, barns, or demolished homes, but many are his own creations, works of special art and sensitivity. His work is housed in museums and adorns public buildings, theaters, hotels, residences, and outdoor spaces in Greece and abroad.
He is a great creator of an art that comes directly from antiquity to today, an art whose material remains unchanged over time. He is one of the last practitioners of this ancient tradition and a great teacher who passionately and lovingly passes on the secrets of his art to the younger generation. This modest original, tireless, genuine artist doesn’t want to be talked about, only to be remembered his works. He is a great creator, and his work proves it.
Dionysia Kopana is a filmmaker. She studied Cinema, Psychology, and Art History. She has worked in Cinema, Advertising, and Television, as well as being a Photographer and columnist in various Magazines. She explores Hybrid Narrative forms and loves Essay Documentary. Since 2007, she has been teaching Directing and Creative Documentary. She regularly gives presentations and speeches on the subject of Audiovisual/Cinematic Education. She serves on juries for festivals and evaluation committees. Additionally, she works as a Storytelling Consultant and Creative Mentor. She directs documentary series for the Greek state TV ERT3. Her films participate in international film festivals and have won important awards with notable works including “The Trace of Time” and “Kifissos, a God’s Awakening. She is a founding member of the Greek Documentary Association.
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