ART ISLANDS:Syros-Chloe Geitmann Akrithaki

Chloe Geitmann – Akrithaki was born in Berlin into an artistic family, she left Germany early on and went to school in Athens. Upon graduation she moved back to Berlin where she studied graphic design and photography. She has worked as a graphic artist and a freelance photographer. She had her first solo exhibition in 2014.

By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Chloe Geitmann Akrithaki Archive

In the exhibition “PHOTOgraphs”,  with the support of Gallery 7-Athens (where the exhibition was on show for the first time this year), two worlds meet. On the one hand the photographic world of Chloe Geitmann Akrithaki is presented through a series of photographs rich in subject matter, with different starting points and techniques. Akrithaki invites us to a world of optimism, color, ideas and action, completing this project with another parameter, with the help of literature. On the other hand, these photographs are the starting point of inspiration for the author Vivian Avraamidou Ploumbis, who writes a short story for each of these shots. The concept of chance is what creates the visual and verbal narrative of the exhibition. Vivian had asked Chloe Geitmann Akrithaki to send her photos for a long time, Akrithaki send her photos in different formats, seasons, in color or B&W. Then Vivian is choosing the ones that excite her and writes stories that are tender, humorous and emotionally affecting. The way the dialogue between the two artists unfolds is not only interesting, but since the artistic result, while someone would think it is like a diary, it is deeply poetic, creating an intermediate space where the viewer can penetrate, create, and feel his own experiences, memories, images and even phrases that while associated with Vivian’s wonderful texts, can simultaneously function independently. The exhibition is part of the “Syros-Culture 2021” festival.

Photo: Photograph from the exhibition “PHOTOgraphs”, Villa Tsiropina-Syros, © & Courtesy Chloe Geitmann Akrithaki

Info: Villa Tsiropina, Poseidonia, Syros island, Greece, Duration: 16-29/7/2021, Days & Hours: Daily 12;00-14:00 7 18:00-21:00