|
|
-
Interview (Hellenic Times,
April 1997)
What are
your most important series of works?
I started with landscapes. Later
I painted a series called "body graphics", which consisted of paintings
and drawings based on the anatomy of the human body. I then worked on portraits,
and, of course, the big conceptual works in NYC.
In 1985, I set up an avant-garde
exhibition opposite John Lennon's house in Manhattan. The works centred
on a symbolic depiction of the current "value" of art.
In 1987 I exhibited at the Dada
Gallery in Athens in a series of works that served as a monument for victims
of AIDS who died at a young age. The problem of our civilization have always
inspired me. I've always believed that art must be closely linked to our
lives, and that life itself should be incorporated into artistic expression.
In this way, art harmonises creative ideas with real life. I find my own
personal harmony through artistic expression. This can be achieved despite
-or perhaps because of- difficulties, which spur one on to greater things.
All my recent works are based
on nature, including "conceptual" landscapes and compositions of clouds.
Nature gives me the ideal beauty through which I always search for artistic
truth.
I have
read many articles about your anti-militaristic exhibition in Glasgow,
Scotland. Can you explain the ideas behind?
The title of this show was "Monument
to Anti-Militarism". Living in a country which is almost constantly surrounded
by war, I felt the need to express my opposition to war and militarism
in general, and also my empathy for those who have been sacrificed. The
monument made from the bodies of 25 participants on a platform, creating
a pyramid around which I wrapped 60 meters of painted teletype paper with
symbols of our culture. It was a great success with a highly critical and
informed audience.
Tell
me also the goals of the Art Studio EST.
When I returned to Greece in 1986,
I met with a number of outstanding artists and young performers, most of
whom had also studied abroad. We were able to communicate creatively on
an aesthetic level, and together we formed the base of EST, which means
"to be" in Latin. I founded the studio in 1990, which is a clear indication
that co-operation between the artists can work.
We believe that the contemporary
artist does not turn away from society, as has been generally presumed,
but rather is intent on becoming an integral part of it. The Art Studio
EST serves this goal since it touches on almost every aspect of society,
from the theoretical to the visual, including the performing arts.
How do
you find the art scene in Greece today?
We are trying very hard for a
better position in the battle of freedom of expression. Real artists always
have problems. Our artistic Eden is not without a serpent: a poor cash
flow and the mad rush towards commercialisation. But with a little faith,
salvation might be found.
|
|
