In the north of Greece lives a theocratic community organised into the Republic of Mount Athos, after the name of the mountain where there are twenty monasteries. Women are not permitted to enter. A place that has a lot of stories told about it, this holy mountain constitutes the centre of orthodox monasticism. The photographer Statos Kalafatis lived there for two hundred days. Integrated into the community, he showed respect and curiosity collecting unusual and touching images of his stay.
Completely fascinated by the place’s spiritual aura, Statos Kalafatis took the time to let himself be imbued with the mystical atmosphere of a place full of silences and mysteries. He says that neither the traditional tenderness that characterises the community nor the abundance of stories of miracles was held back from him. The photographer calls to mind a genuine permanent tension that surrounds Mount Athos, between the past and the present, tradition and freedom, power and weakness. Stratos Kalafatis’ photos show a kind of ambivalence between the intimidating supremacy of the place and the modesty of the inhabitants’ lives.
Joséphine Faisant
Joséphine Faisant is an author specialising in photography. She lives and works in Athens where she unearths local talent.
