The pages were from Homer's The Odyssey, the tale of Ulysses' wanderings. Beginning with the page where the story starts, when each page is read, then folded into a paper boat; this process continued until the last page of the story was read and folded. These boats were then set adrift on the stream running through Meanwood Park, Leeds, both ending and, in a sense, beginning this project.
Travels with Odysseus retells the earthy and profound adventures of the Greek hero Odysseus, teaching stories that hold insight and guidance for our own present-day journey.
Joseph Campbell (2004) explains "that one of the basic functions of the myth is to help each individual through the journey of life, providing a travel guide to reach fulfilment - a map to discover "bliss"."
"…........ do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithaca means"
Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)
480 pages (A photographic essay documenting a journey of 480 pages). 2006. A commission for The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's 'In transit' project. 2007.
© Eirini Boukla. // All Rights Reserved.
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