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The political transformations that took place during that decade in Greece, but also abroad,
were depicted clearly in literary works. The expanding audience embraced a great variety
of writers, from E. Alexiou, M. Karagatsis and G. Skaribas of the 30s generation -whose
works were adapted for television- to K. Tachtsis, G. Cheimonas and T. Valtinos. Short story
thrived to the detriment of larger works with many characters, whereas many new names were
enrolled in the literary catalogues and gave a great boost to the publishing production.
Until that period Thessaloniki maintained a robust tradition that contradistinguished it
from the intellectual activity of Athens, mainly with N. Bakolas, G. Ioannou etc.
At the same time, there was a decline of the "committed" poetry, which was replaced
by new characteristics (internalization, bitterness, irony), mainly as a result of disillusionment
of collective visions, something that would be confirmed by the end of the decade (1989).
The established writers O. Elytis and G. Ritsos continued to create excellent works, whereas
new names were beginning to be established, such as N. Karouzos, K. Dimoula etc.
Areas intended for fine arts multiplied through the establishment of centres mainly in the
province. Creators drew inspiration from elements of tradition but also promoted innovative,
modern demands (the contribution of established artists, such as N. Kessanlis, K. Tsoklis,
V. Kaniaris etc. was very important). Greek participation in international competitions
(for example Bienale) was awarded many prizes (G. Lappas). In addition, new institutions
were founded, which laid emphasis on culture, such as the "cultural capital",
new state awards etc. The explosive personality of M. Merkouri reinstated the issue of the
return of the Parthenon marbles (Elgineia) and associated it with the need to create an
Acropolis Museum.
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