Oscar-nominated filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos took a moment to step away from his busy film schedule to indulge in photography, celebrating a unique artistic endeavor. This week, he opened an exhibition in Athens showcasing his photographic work from the past five years.
The exhibition features 182 photographs, both in color and black and white, reflecting Lanthimos’s distinctive style. These images were captured during various stages of his filmmaking process, including moments on set and in the neighborhoods surrounding his hometown. Notably, the exhibition coincides with Lanthimos’s upcoming appearance at the Academy Awards, where his latest film, “Bugonia,” has earned four Oscar nominations, including best picture and best actress for Emma Stone.
In his remarks at the exhibition, Lanthimos expressed his enjoyment in exploring a different medium. Initially, he pursued photography as a technical foundation for his cinematic work, but it has since evolved into a more personal project. He noted that cinema fundamentally consists of 24 photographs per second, emphasizing the intrinsic link between both forms of art.
The separation from the complexities of film production has allowed Lanthimos to find a new creative outlet. He appreciates the freedom that photography offers, allowing him to wander with a camera without a specific goal. This immediacy in capturing moments provides a satisfaction that is distinct from filmmaking, where the process is more elaborate.
Describing his experience, Lanthimos highlighted the joy of creating an image that can be held and examined shortly after its inception. Unlike movies, photos can continuously evolve in their presentation and context, whether in books, exhibitions, or other formats. The ongoing potential for reinterpretation excites him about the photographic process.
As Lanthimos continues to be a notable figure in contemporary cinema, he anticipates that photography will play an increasingly prominent role in his artistic journey. His exhibition is currently hosted at the Onassis Foundation, where it will remain open until May 17.