ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Bouboulina costumes of Spetses island.
Part of Caryatis project.
The idea behind the project “Caryatis” premiered at the Fragonard Museum in the world's perfume capital Grasse, France, under the name "Ethos" and was a variation of the photographer's original "Ethos" project, which was successfully presented at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, only this time focusing on women's traditional costumes. The Ethos project was focusing on local traditional customs in Greece. The images in Ethos were snapshots of actual moments.

This work (Caryatis) is the evolution of ETHOS and the photographer himself and focuses on female traditional costumes all over Greece. The images are no longer snapshots of non-posed subjects, but the photographer now takes control of the whole scene and direction.

The photographer gives attention to every detail in the image, by scouting locations and using a scientific advisor to spot authentic costumes or excellent reproductions. Each photograph is meticulously staged; postures, attitudes and even hand placements depicted are all typical of the area from which the costume originates.

Despite the fact that the photographer is focusing on creating images inspired by the tradition, the resulting images have an ethnographic value to them, as folklore scientists use them to help in their research. Thus, the photographer has established a collaboration with the National Kapodistrian University of Athens.

The photographer has travelled all around Greece and self funded the project. He expects to complete the project within the next two to three years.

AUTHOR
George Tatakis makes images, utilising the world that surrounds us. He has been published internationally, including the New York Times, National Geographic and partnered with brands such as Leica, Canon, Huawei, UNESCO and more. George studied and worked as an Engineer, but his true passion always revolved around art, especially image making. The main means he uses to make images is through photography. The purpose of his images is to express his view of the world by directing moments taking place in front of him. Engineering dreams out of real-life moments.

In 2013 he decided to follow his passion and slowly make the transition to a full-time image making career. He now documents social events, exhibits his work in institutions such as the Benaki and Fragonard Museums and provides mentoring to amateur and professional photographers.

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