Page 48 - EMPIRIA 2024

JOYFUL EXPLORATION I SANTORINI
Echoes of Greece
A Visual Symphony
An exclusive look into George Tatakis and his new project.
George Tatakis, the renowned
Athenian monochrome lensman, is
celebrated in prestigious venues
and publications worldwide.
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led me to "Karyatis." The only difference was that I had architecture and geological morphology of Santorini
full control of the images I created. perfectly fit the concept behind this project.
An interesting concept you brought out with the black- "Choros: Still Life Choreography." What milestones does
and-white portraits of the "Karyatis" series was that this journey originating in Santorini include?
in some parts of Greece, such as Mt. Olympus in "Choros" is an experimental study, in its embryonic stage,
Karpathos, women still wear traditional outfits. Did of how music and rhythm connect with photography and
anything else impress you while discovering customs visual arts in general. At the same time, the trait this
and traditions in contemporary Greece? work examines is that of simplicity, an inherent quality of
Truly, since my first visit to Mt. Olympus in 2016, I haven't Greece. Therefore, the milestones are defined by where
found anything like it, where tradition is so alive, and the endeavour itself leads me. At this initial stage, I will
I don't think there is. But what impresses me just as be working on "Choros" alongside "Karyatis" during my
much are traditions in the form of local events that have already planned trips. As I steadily progress with this
withstood the test of time and continue to this day, such project, I will have a better understanding of my exact
as the "Kotsamania" (Mummers) of the Pontians in the destinations.
villages of Kozani. Also, I would like to ask if there will be an exhibition
You've been to many places in Greece and encountered open to the public this summer.
elements that held the Greek essence. In Santorini, My next exhibition, which began in early July, will take
what aspects did you want to bring to the surface? place in Athens and is open to the public. A collection
from the "Karyatis" project will be included. Unfortunately,
In Santorini, I took photos on the day of Saint Averkios
in October, which is all about the island’s winemaking its exact location has not been announced yet, but it will
run until October, and most travellers to and from our
tradition, as well as photos for "Karyatis," featuring
local women's attire. On my most recent visit, I began city will be able to access it. You can follow me on social
experimenting with a new idea: "Choros" (Dance). The media to learn about the venue very soon. •
"Choros" is an experimental study of how music
and rhythm connect with photography and visual arts.
“CHORΟS: Still Life Choreography” is a black-and-white
exhibition by pianist and photographer George Tatakis that
takes the viewer on a multisensory voyage through the defining
aspects of Greece. Music and visual arts come together to
tell an enthralling story of harmony and silence, simplicity
and strength. Santorini will be the exhibition’s first stop, an
island that embodies everything Tatakis wishes to convey.
He tells all about what inspired this and other projects, as
well as what drives his constant pursuit of the Greek spirit
and its perfect representations.
Although an electrical engineer by profession, you turned
to photography and black-and-white portraits that capture
tradition, history, and Greek values from different parts of "Choros" takes
its initial breath
the country. What attracted a young person of the digital in the enchanting
age to dedicate themselves to such a pursuit? island of
In my view, we don't choose our work. Rather, the work itself Santorini. Tatakis
captures the
guides us towards the path we are meant for. In my case, timeless elegance
after returning from the UK, I longed for everything Greek. and volcanic
I wanted to travel across Greece and discover our customs landscapes,
infusing each
and traditions. As soon as I left my job as an electrical photograph with
engineer, I started my journey, photographing moments from a visual harmony
local customs. This became my first project, "Ethos," which that reflects
the pulse of the
appeared at the Benaki Museum. The evolution of this project island.
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