Page 50 - ATHENS RIVIERA 2024

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
word of mouth
fleeting moments? Y "I’VE BECOME VERY COMMITTED TO

PROTECTING GREECE’S BEAUTIFUL

LANDSCAPES AND TRADITIONAL
ou’ve mentioned photographing traditional Greek life that
has since transformed or disappeared. Could you share more
about these changes and your feelings about capturing these

BY LAW OF THE PLEISTOS RIVER
I never imagined things would change so rapidly. I naively ARCHITECTURE. THE PROTECTION
thought I would return every year to photograph different VALLEY IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE
islands and their traditional ways of life. Suddenly, there was
electricity, running water, tractors, mills, ferries, and tourists. WONDERFUL RESULTS STEMMING
In 1957, you returned to Greece on assignment for National
Geographic. How did this professional engagement differ FROM A DESIRE TO PROTECT A
from your explorations, and what were the highlights of
this assignment? BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE."
The main difference was using color film. Otherwise, I was
photographing similar scenes as in 1954 and 1955. As a Na-
tional Geographic reader, I was influenced by their storytelling
style. Color presented a challenge due to the poor latitude of
Kodachrome film. Balancing the white houses and blue sea
was difficult, but now, with digital tools, it’s easier.
Your connection to Greece deepened through marriage,
and you eventually settled on Patmos. How has living in
Greece influenced your photography and relationship with
the country?
It’s become clear that one never runs out of photo opportuni-
ties with antiquities. Different times of day offer varied light,
and different seasons provide unique angles. The weather also
adds a variable, making each photo unique.
Having spent significant time among the Greek people, cap-
turing their daily lives and evolving culture, what unique
qualities do you find most endearing or striking about the
Greek way of life?
From the start of my visits, I admired the closeness of family.
As someone who has witnessed the transformation of Greece
over the decades, how has your emotional and personal con-
nection to the country and its people deepened over time?
I’ve become very committed to protecting Greece’s beautiful
landscapes and traditional architecture. The protection by law
of the Pleistos River Valley is an example of the wonderful re-
sults stemming from a desire to protect a beautiful landscape.
Reflecting on your extensive body of work, how do you
hope future generations will perceive your photographs of
Greece, and what legacy do you wish to leave behind with
your images?
I’d like my work to be seen as both a record of what I saw
and an inspiration for those who want to protect Greece’s
landscapes. 
“Χαίρε Ξένε. In the land of dreams” -Temporary Exhibition
Gallery at the Acropolis Museum ground floor. Open until 8
September 2024. Entrance is free to the public. (A free admission
ticket is required from the Museum Ticket Desk). A bilingual
publication (Greek-English) is available in the Museum Shops.

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