Here is the interview of Katerina Tsakiri by Sophie Bernard in the context of our coverage of the festival Circulation(s). « Family Affair » consists of a series of self-portraits recreating the multiple roles occupied by Greek working class women in the 1950s. Through these representations, she explores the influence her grandmother had on her own personality. Katerina Tsakiri was 18 when she felt the need to recall moments of the past and of her childhood returning to her grandmother‘s house, where she had spent nine years of her life.
How did you find out about the Circulation festival?
Thanks to Lens Culture. I decided to apply because it is a major festival dedicated to young photographers and it’s a great opportunity to show my work.
Do you make a living from photography?
I try to live from photography! It’s really very hard, particularly in my country. At the moment, I’m a part-time assistant to a wedding and baptism photographer. I also take photos and make films of theatrical plays and dance performances. All of my free time – and my money – is devoted to the production of a portfolio of fashion photos , and a new project.
Can you describe the intention of your series and explain why you decided to do it ?
“Family Affair” is a look back at Greek, middle-class, working women at the end of the 50s. My intention is not to present a rigorously faithful representation but rather to describe the atmosphere of that time. This allows everyone to re-appropriate the images. That’s the reason why there are no captions. The starting point is personal: it is an evocation of my childhood, when I lived with my grandmother. This subject is partly my own since those years with my grandmother shaped me and contributed to making me the person I am today.
And what was the preparatory stage of this series?
To begin with I mentally worked out the images, then I researched the accessories: clothes and décor. If I wasn’t happy with it, I started again… I should say that I did this series for my diploma. So I benefitted from the advice from my teachers.
Who were your masters or what were your reference points in photography or the history of art?
Nadav Kander: I particularly admire the atmosphere in his photos, the colours and the light are always perfect and his portraits are very intense.
And how has photography changed your point of view of the world?
Since I have been taking photographs, I have become more attentive. I look at the light, the colours, the people. Especially the people. I look at the details, their hands, their eyes, their gestures, etc.
With the support of Hellenic Cultural Centre.
FESTIVAL
Festival Circulation(s) – Young European Photography
From March 26th to June 26th, 2016
CENTQUATRE
5 rue Curial
75019 Paris
France
Closed on Monday
http://www.festival-circulations.com
http://katerinatsakiri.tumblr.com
