Playboy (Greece)
A Greek photographer "prophesied" life in quarantine
We spoke with George Natsioulis about the unexpected (but fair) international recognition of his photographs during the pandemic.
Distance, isolation, cessation of almost every activity (and plenty of Netflix): our lives are somewhat summed up in this period of COVID 19 pandemic and quarantine. the planet. It has not been long since the world's largest media outlets described American painter Edward Hopper as the quarantined poster.
Important Note: Hopper created some of his best-known works in the interwar period. These days, as you scroll through Instagram, it is possible that you have come across the photos of George Natsioulis, a photographer who lives and works in Larissa and managed to "prophesy" with his atmospheric frames during the days of the pandemic.
Your photos have acquired an unexpected relevance to the current conditions in which we all live. How has this age of social distance affected you?
It is really completely unexpected that my works are in line with the current situation. A similar connection was made with the fires in Australia. Many websites abroad have combined my works with this event. Most of my photographic works have elements of minimalism that always focus on the human being. Loneliness is an element that accompanies most of my plans, with the result that my works are in line with the global coronavirus crisis.
Does the pandemic provide you with stimuli to capture it photographically?
The coronavirus era has negatively affected society as a whole. However, there are many artists, like me, whose situation inspires us to create masterpieces of art. I'm sure we will see a lot of artistic concerns in the future.
What fascinates you about the loneliness that is reflected in many of your plans?
I like to observe the world, the passers-by. I am enchanted when my gaze is fixed on a single person and he is absorbed in his thoughts. I record this in my photos. The magic of loneliness. My goal is for the works to have art with minimal influences and to harmoniously tie all the necessary elements, so that the viewer understands the inspiration of the photograph.
The parameter of loneliness do you think appeared more these days of confinement. Are we networked but alienated at the same time?
Social distance and loneliness were not created by covid-19, unfortunately it pre-existed! I think my pictures reflect the current state of isolation. The alienation is due to the rapid development of technology, with social media and the endless working hours of each individual. Now, on the occasion of Covid-19, we are realizing alienation and loneliness and we feel it more than ever.
The parameter of loneliness do you think appeared more these days of confinement. Are we networked but alienated at the same time?
Social distance and loneliness were not created by covid-19, unfortunately it pre-existed! I think my pictures reflect the current state of isolation. The alienation is due to the rapid development of technology, with social media and the endless working hours of each individual. Now, on the occasion of Covid-19, we are realizing alienation and loneliness and we feel it more than ever.
In your work you show a particular preference for locations that move along the boundaries of human activity. A gas station on the side of a highway, a lonely light sign out of nowhere, etc. What is it that pique the interest in these extreme conditions?
In the past I had been involved with moving and capturing the moment. Special colors and sparkles made the result look like a firework. But there is a development in everything. I realized that this movement must be enriched with something completely opposite, that is, static, so that in a photo there are two different worlds framed by what you mentioned, such as the lights of a truck combined with a gas station in the middle of nowhere.
What are your artistic influences (not only from the field of photography)?
Minimal art and cinema are important influences of inspiration. Some of my works have been described as "Angelopoulos", showing the influences I have from the great Theodoros Angelopoulos. His work is an important source of inspiration for many artists, so it influenced me and that is why several photos remind me of shots from his works.
It strikes me that you did not mention science fiction…
I confess that I am not a fan of science fiction movies. However, many of my works seem to have come out of a science fiction movie completely by accident. There is a photo that my fans have likened to the movie Blade Runner.
From the bright colors and the games with the shadow and the light that you have spent in the foggy landscapes, how did this transition come about and what does it mean for you?
It has to do exactly with the feeling, the mood and the changes of the seasons. The geometry, the bright colors and the "game" that creates the light of day, especially in the summer season, is something that is strongly seen in my first works. On the other hand, I like to photograph the hazy days of winter and especially those with fog. The result is enchanting and so impressive that it causes cinematic shooting. The place where I live gives me the opportunity to "take advantage" of its hazy days and to capture them in my works.
Finally, why are we always fascinated by a sign with neon lights in the "middle of nowhere"?
Contrast. The opposites attract. A bright sign in the completely dark cityscape. The bright element that is created automatically "catches" the attention of the viewer who sees such an image. Messages appear, thoughts are completed. Of course, it all depends on the right combination with other interesting elements that compose the project.