“Elliniko (2007-2012)” is an ongoing project initiated in 2007 with the aid and support of the Greek Museum of Civil Aviation, documenting the declining state of the former international airport of Athens, known colloquially as “Elliniko” (meaning “of Greek origin”).
In his exploration of “Elliniko”, Greek-born photographer Alexandros Lambrovassilis follows this thread of collective memory, photographing the landmass, the remains of human activity, and the symbols of an era that has come to an end, evoking bittersweet visions of a once familiar public space.
Effectively abandoned in 2001, the airport’s infrastructure was left to decay, before the turmoil of the current financial crisis forced the Greek government to seek investors interested in acquiring it for its underlying real estate value.
Built largely through the efforts (and financing) of shipping magnate Aristotelis Onassis in the 1950s, the airport marked Greece’s emergence into the modern era, acting as a link to a world beyond its borders. For almost half a century the airport held a special place in the Greek national consciousness, becoming an all too common sight in popular films and family photo albums alike, as multiple generations walked through its gates.
The airport’s slow decline over the years, and sudden abandonment in the run-up to the Athens Olympics serves as an eerie metaphor for Greece, a country laid low by the financial crisis and years of economic mismanagement during the years of plenty.
Weekend portfolio selected by Elodie Mailliet Storm
