Powered by Passion – An exclusive interview with Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis

word of mouth

CURTAIN DOWN

An Athenian Riviera lover would end a well-spent day treasuring the golden hour at Kastella area.

Amultifaced riviera, a surprising coastline, a seductive time of the day. From the vivid port in Piraeus with the promise of a magical island hopping and the panoramic view of the sea from Kastella to the architectural “jewel” of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and from a seaside ride through Vouliagmenis Avenue all the way till the grandeur of Sounio archaeological site, the sunset has as many different pictures and qualities as the Athenian Riviera itself. A prominent and unique seascape embraces experiences that no other European capital has to offer combining an active business center, an energetic shopping destination, a rich history, an exemplary tradition in culture, as well as premium quality in hospitality. Stefanos Orestis Addimando has managed to highlight all these variables and faces through the prism of sunset. Talented and with a great sense of view, he has showcased with the same passion the diverse of great Greek destinations through his pictures and videos on his Instagram page @stef_greece, while he is running the family’s small hotel on Serifos island, where he’s a member of the Tourism Committee of the Municipality of Serifos. His partners include Visit Greece, Marketing Greece, the Region of Epirus, Costa Navarino, Hilton Hotels, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, Aria Hotels, Aegean Airlines, Seajets and The Hellenic Initiative. 

Stefanos Orestis Addimando, a Luxembourg-grown travel photographer based in Athens of Greek and Italian descent, has captured masterfully the golden hour through the Athenian Riviera (portrait taken in Alimos area).

Melting Greek Flag - an iconic symbol that bridges history with the modern era by conceptual artist and designer Caroline Rovithi.

CULTURE

EXHIBITIONS ARTISTS CREATIVITY

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Greece as Art

From large statement pieces to art jewellery and accessories, everything Caroline Rovithi creates begins with joy, empowerment and boundless love for Greece.

Interview by DESPOINA SAMPSON

Left: Created during the darker days of Greece’s decade-long economic crisis, Crying Greek flag represents the pride and resolve of the Greek people; it was the beginning of Caroline’s turn to conceptual art. Below: Ticket to Greece and Greece Street, commemorating 200 years of Greek independence. Opposite page: All You Need Is Greece is Caroline’s latest book, celebrating the country’s beauty, spirit and strength.

When it comes to her passion, conceptual artist and designer Caroline Rovithi wears her heart on her sleeve, never shying away from an opportunity to express her profound love for Greece and its inimitable, vibrant spirit. For the past 20 years, she has been channelling this passion into her art, building on a background in advertising and publishing to create unique pieces that bring together elements of pop art, illustration, street style and iconic Greek symbolism. Caroline has exhibited in Europe and the United States, has taken on commissions from major global brands, and has published six books. Her first short film, available online, was filmed on the shores of the Aegean Sea, and she is currently working on a second short, >

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Left: Caroline Rovithi in her studio. This page: Freedom (top) and Avgolemono (bottom). filmed on the slopes of the majestic Mount Olympus. Your love for Greece is at the heart of everything you do. What message does your art communicate about the country that we live in, love and are inspired by? Greece is a work of art, a masterpiece that I am blessed and privileged to experience every day. It is an ideal place in every sense. This country has everything! Beauty, colour, history, culture, people, feeling, soul. The message that I want to convey is simple and I believe in it wholeheartedly… All you need is Greece! What are the challenges for female artists in Greece? How hard is it to get your work shown, express yourself and keep up with obligations while also finding inspiration and creating? Daily life is anyway demanding enough for every woman who works and is a mother, partner, friend, daughter. So many women face truly challenging conditions, and I am deeply grateful that I get to do what I love, that my job lets me express myself, helps me evolve, fulfils me. No matter how many hours I put in, how demanding my day-to-day is — because I’m also mother to a six-year-old girl — when everything quiets down and I sit in front of my canvas, dozens of images emerge as if by magic and take shape through my brushes. To me, every day is an inspiration. With bold motifs and bright colours, your work evokes feelings of happiness, yet you’re not afraid > to address some of the difficult subjects facing the world. How do you do this through your art? These are unprecedented times and things are changing constantly and at a staggering speed. I’m always thinking about how I can contribute. So I take to my canvas and create images that incorporate empowering symbols, images that evoke strong feelings of optimism and faith. Some of my favourite symbols, that I keep coming back to, are the thunderbolt and the Greek flag. When Greece was in the throes of its crisis, I painted the “Crying Greek Flag,” with our flag’s iconic blue and white stripes weeping. The idea was to show the flag standing strong and proud, despite the pain and tears. And those very same attributes, that strength and resolve, are shared by Greece and the Greek people. >

"GREECE IS A WORK OF ART, A MASTERPIECE THAT I AM BLESSED AND PRIVILEGED TO EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY."