Chrisa Kontogianni. Photographer
Chrisa is a photographer, living in the centre of Athens with her son. She seeks the hidden little beauties that can only be found if you go to the trouble of discovering it.
BYO: Why photography?
CHRISA: Instinctively my first answer is "why not?". I am probably fascinated by the thought that this instant click will capture the image forever. The whole process of dealing with it (inspiration, clicking, editing) is for me a kind of psychotherapy, it excites me sensually and calms me at the same time.
BYO: Is there a story you tell through your pictures?
CHRISA: I want each of my photos to have a voice, to create a little story for others when they see it, even if it is different from the one I already have in my mind. I love directing my pictures, they remind me of a piece of a movie.
BYO: Do you have a specific reference?
CHRISA: I think in most cases there are two references: Authenticity and sensuality.
BYO: Favorite photographer or image?
CHRISA: The biggest point of reference for me is Helmut Newton. I love the texture, colours and symbolism of Haris Nukem, I enjoy the sensuality of Steven Meisel, as well as the atmosphere of Peter Lindbergh. My mind is full of many favourite photos of different artists, it is difficult to choose just one creator or photo.
BYO: What role does the human element play in your images and what role does the human body play?
CHRISA: Primary and dominant. I love to capture the body, to glorify, to reveal it without degrading it, it’s my protagonist. The sensuality of the flesh, the expressions of the limbs, the skin, the look that says it all without saying anything.
BYO: Does photography have a social role or is it an art tool?
CHRISA: I think both. Art, in general, is a part of society, the artist - even if he does not have a purpose - from the moment he shares his creations, he influences a part of the social whole. Photography in this case conveys messages, hides symbolism, gives images for thought, consciously or not.
BYO: Is Athens a photographic city?
CHRISA: Photography can apply to anything. Yes, Athens, like any other city in the world is potentially photographic. It all depends on the "eye" of the person behind the camera.
BYO: What do you like about Athens?
CHRISA: Athens, I love to hate this city and I hate to love it. Inside the cement and the seemingly monotonous grey, I love the secrets, the little hidden remarkable beauty that can only be found if you go to the trouble to discover it.
BYO: In what other places would you like to live and work?
CHRISA: I haven’t made many trips in my life to be able to answer that with confidence. But with a kind of wish, I would say that I would like to be a citizen of the world, to move at will and to take photos.
BYO: What song suits you at the moment?
CHRISA: Music for me is like breathing, a biological need of mine. It constantly accompanies me and changes my moods. On the same day, all kinds of music can suit me. If I had to answer this question as I think about it, I would say ‘January 8th’ by Good Job Nicky (who is already singing in my mind).
BYO: Do you have a route or a neighbourhood, a spot that you particularly love?
CHRISA: I especially love the journey I take to meet the people I love.
BYO: Are you working on a specific project at the moment?
CHRISA: I am always looking for new people and ideas. I am working on various projects in my mind all at the same time, waiting for the right moment. and conditions to take place.
