Yorgos Lanthimos Explores Photography in New Exhibition

Yorgos Lanthimos, the acclaimed director known for films such as *The Favourite*, has unveiled a photography exhibition at Onassis Stegi in Athens. This exhibition features a collection of images taken over the past five years on various film sets, including locations in New Orleans, Atlanta, and Budapest. The show includes three distinct photographic series, showcasing Lanthimos's artistic evolution and his exploration of narrative through still images.

New York Observer

Lanthimos's journey into photography began during his studies at the Hellenic Cinema and Television School Stavrakos in Athens, where he drew inspiration from notable photographers like Diane Arbus and Robert Frank. Initially, his photography served a promotional purpose for his films, but it gradually transformed into a personal artistic endeavor. He developed his photographs in a makeshift darkroom, often with the assistance of actress Emma Stone during filming. Lanthimos articulated that photography allows him to step away from the collaborative pressures of filmmaking, providing a unique freedom to create without constraints.

New York Observer

Curator Michael Mack emphasized the exhibition's ability to evoke narratives beyond the frame of each photograph. He noted that the accompanying book mimics a filmic sequence, enhancing the viewer's experience. Mack remarked, “It’s almost more interesting what’s happening beyond the frames and what it engenders in the viewer.” This perspective aligns with the Kuleshov Effect, a cinematic principle that illustrates how context influences audience interpretation. Lanthimos's manipulation of image order and context invites viewers to derive varied meanings from his work.

New York Observer

The exhibition features a diverse range of subjects, from mundane scenes to poignant moments. Notable images include a portrait of Lanthimos's dog, Vyronas, and a stark depiction of a coffin in an undertaker's office. The photographs reflect Lanthimos's interest in the complexities of everyday life, capturing both the ordinary and the extraordinary. He expressed that “everything can be complicated, even a landscape, even an animal face,” highlighting his multifaceted approach to photography.

New York Observer

Lanthimos articulated the liberating nature of photography, stating, “You don’t need a producer, and you don’t need to be checking the budget. So, this gives you some freedom, a great freedom.” This sentiment underscores his desire to explore various themes and narratives through his photographic work, which he believes can acquire different meanings based on their presentation.

New York Observer

While the exhibition has been well-received, some critics may question the transition from film to photography, pondering whether Lanthimos's cinematic style translates effectively into still images. However, the curator's insights suggest that the exhibition successfully bridges these two artistic forms, allowing for a rich exploration of narrative.

New York Observer

As Lanthimos continues to develop his artistic portfolio, he is also working on a film adaptation of Richard Brautigan’s Gothic western novel, *The Hawkline Monster*. This upcoming project may further reflect his evolving artistic vision and commitment to exploring diverse mediums.

New York Observer