Photography Series
THE FENCE: YORGOS EFTHYMIADIS By the Word Photography Organisation
Yorgos Efthymiadis shares his inspiration and selfexpression in his project Letting My Guard Down during an interview for The Fence. Efthymiadis explains how his life experiences has affected his work.
Patron Magazine
The Fence Interview
April 2015
Awning Efthymiadis highlights the linear qualities within architecture and really pushes the idea of tranquility that goes hand in hand with organization and personal reflection.
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Photography Series
Net Yorgos Efthymiadis brings out the linear quality of his photos, along with focusing on the geometric shapes within the photo frame. The symmetry and scenery in this image encourage reflection.
Patron Magazine
The Fence Interview
April 2015
Y
orgos Efthymiadis uses photography to escape, calling the medium his “freedom”. His work is vibrant and colourful, mixing shapes and lines to depict oftenempty spaces. THE FENCE is a collaboration between United Photo Industries, Photo District News (PDN), Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the Flash Forward Festival. Following a
country looks to me now that I no longer consider
call for submissions, 30 jury members selected 40
it home? Were there any actual changes to familiar
artists whose work would be printed onto THE FENCE,
places like my old neighborhood or the house that I
a summer-long outdoor photographic exhibition
grew up in other than the passage of time? Or, is it
stretching over 1000ft in length shown in Boston,
because of my new perception that everything looks
Brooklyn, and Atlanta, USA. The aim of the project
different and unfamiliar?
is to foster conversations and explore new thematic directions in photography.
You worked on this project for a year. How do you keep the momentum and the inspiration
We spoke with Efthymiadis to find out more about
alive? What is the attraction of following one
his approach to photography.
subject for such a length of time? Following one subject over a long duration of time
What first inspired you to pick up a camera?
is always tricky when one is making personal work
When I was a child, I wanted to be an architect, but
because there were will be times when this special
my drawing skills were abysmal. I have always been
feeling and connection with the surroundings will not
interested in photography since this medium helped
be there. What helped me stay focused was shooting
me stay close to architecture; photographing buildings
side projects, small bodies of work that kept me busy
and interior design spaces is a passion of mine.
during times of drought. These side projects might
What I didn’t know back then was the effect
never escape my personal portfolio, but they surely
photography would have on me at a personal level,
helped my work stay fresh.
how it would affect me and shape the person I am now. I believe that it’s really hard to let go of a project.
How would you describe your photographic style?
I’m constantly trying to find more images to express
I’m usually attracted to empty places and spaces,
myself and to fill the gap in me. That’s why I’m
inspired by lines and geometry.
attracted to long-term projects as they are fulfilling
Humans play a big part in the images because they
and therapeutic.
either created these places, lived in them, or were just passing by; however, they are no longer there. What’s
You have said that your pictures are a mirror of
left behind are these places affected by the human
yourself, not a window to the world. Why do you
touch, spaces that have a story to tell.
think your images connect with viewers? All humans experience moments of solitude. When
In “Letting My Guard Down,” how did you determine
they do, they want or need to be alone. This is a way of
that the place was the correct one to photograph?
dealing with problems, detaching from the mundane,
It was actually the other way around. I was drawn to
everyday life and connecting with the inner-self. I want
these places, I didn’t determine anything. Last year, I
the viewers to embrace the calmness and stillness, to
visited Patagonia, both the Chilean and Argentinian
lose themselves in these images.
sides, went to northern Greece, and traveled to the west coast of the U.S. for the first time. When I gathered all
What is your favorite piece in “Letting My Guard
the images, I realized that there was a common thread;
Down”? Does one piece seem to mirror you the most?
they were all communicating solitude and loneliness.
Although it is difficult to pick just one image because
That’s exactly how I felt while travelling, and it affected
it is part of a story, of a bigger picture, I would have to
me in the biggest way imaginable.
go with “Buoy”.
Going back to Greece and seeing my homeland through
One figure stands alone in the center of the image. It
fresh eyes triggered several thoughts: How does this
is worn-out; the passage of time has taken its toll on
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Photography Series
it. The court was built next to the ocean, facing the wild sea. There is a buoy on the right, something to hold on to, and a boat on the left that can take you far away.
What was the intention in presenting these photographs? I would say it is a visual way of communicating my feelings to the outside world. Ultimately, it is an attempt to connect emotionally with myself — to reach out there, hoping to find other people that share the same concerns and feelings.
What did you hope to get out of this series? And what did you end up learning from this project? As I’ve already mentioned, the main goal was to fill a gap inside me, to address some existential concerns. At the end, this period was self-therapy.
Lastly, what does photography mean to you? It’s the only way I can fully express myself, communicate, and connect with other people on a different level. It’s fun and exhilarating. It’s freedom.
Patron Magazine
The Fence Interview
April 2015
What’s left behind are these places affected by human touch, spaces that have a story to tell. Yorgos Efthymiadis
Wires (Left) and Corridor (Right) The aparent leading lines within both photos guide the viewer’s eye around the photographs. The soft colors within the images encourages relaxation and meditation. The sense of being alone and embracing that fact is within both images.
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