Caryatis: Work from Kastoria, Macedonia, Greece
The idea behind the project “Caryatis” premiered at the Fragonard Museum in the world's perfume capital Grasse, France, under the name "Ethos" and was a variation of the photographer's original "Ethos" project, which was successfully presented at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, only this time focusing on women's traditional costumes. The Ethos project focused on local traditional customs in Greece. The images in Ethos were snapshots of actual moments.
This work (Caryatis) is the evolution of ETHOS and the photographer himself and focuses on traditional female costumes all over Greece. The images are no longer snapshots of non-posed subjects, but the photographer now takes control of the whole scene and direction.
The photographer gives attention to every detail in the image, by scouting locations and using a scientific advisor to spot authentic costumes or excellent reproductions. Each photograph is meticulously staged; postures, attitudes, and even hand placements depicted are all typical of the area from which the costume originates.
Despite the fact that the photographer is focusing on creating images inspired by the tradition, the resulting images have an ethnographic value to them, as folklore scientists use them to help in their research. Thus, the photographer has collaborated with the National Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Rural costume
Location: Lefki village, Kastoria
Urban costume
Location: Kastoria, Macedonia, Greece
