Who is Sotiris Lamprou?
He was born in Aliartos, Greece. After a serious illness in 1991, he found his way to photography. Since then, many of his photographs have been used for book covers and have appeared in the literary magazine Savvato (Σάββατο), an edition of Eleutherotypia (Ελευθεροτυπία).
But let’s let his pictures and his words tell us who Sotiris is…
If you had one wish which could become true, what would it be?
To annihilate the mechanism of mutual destruction of the world.
Is the world black and white?
Colors are an illusion. Night and day are the reality. The light is life, like the ice cream for crows of Don Van Vliet.
What is hidden in the mist?
Lament. A silent scream.
Tell us how did you start shooting? What does photography give you?
I’ve been taking pictures with a borrowed camera since my late teens and as far back I can remember myself, I have always been an observer prone to contemplation, ‘’capturing’’ particular moods in my brain. In 1991, when confronted with a serious long-lasting health condition, this helped me a lot to find a way out in the photographic field.
Photography has been an escape which helped me to keep breathing, to go ahead with my life; what is more, my life found its very existence from photography.
Your brightest childhood memory?
The first time I saw the starry sky; my amazement.
A good photograph is a meaningful one, which is able to touch the essence of even the apparently insignificant things, generating an emotional response.
Where do you seek inspiration?
In my inner self.
What is a good photograph?
A good photograph is a meaningful one, which is able to touch the essence of even the apparently insignificant things, generating an emotional response
We are living in the Balkans. Is it a curse or a blessing for you? Why
Roots and tradition are a blessing. Bakans are a mosaic made by many heterogeneous, yet rich cultures! The dynamism of people of the peninsula and their deep emotional intensity are some of the positive elements that are precious to me as an artist. As a human being, I’d have wished for more understanding and respect of cultural differences, though.
What can make you smile?
The happiness in the eyes of my beloved one and our son.
Who is Sotiris without a camera in hands?
I cannot imagine myself without my camera. Thus, I’d rather tell that this person does not exist.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Buddha’s last words: “All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation.”
Who is the photographer you admire most? Why? Which is your favorite picture from his/her portfolio and why?
My favorite one is Eugène Atget. And my favorite photograph is the Entrance to the Presbyterium of Saint-Séverin.
Because of this enchanting haunting feel.
Ask yourself a question and answer it... Who am I?
I still don’t know…
Gallery
