Eleni Marneri & Ersi Kalozaki

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live in the Plaka area, in the historical center of Athens. I stay in an old Athenian house from 1910 where my work is also located. I feel lucky!

Where is your studio located & how does it look?

Eleni Marneri Gallery is situated at 8 Pittakou street in Plaka, within a neoclassical building dating back to 1910, adorned with Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements on its exterior. Inside, the geometric and floral patterns grace the flooring, accented by subtle stone details that infuse the space with warmth. Soft lighting adds to the tranquil atmosphere. At the core of the gallery lies a hidden treasure—a secluded garden sanctuary—offering a serene escape from the urban hustle.

Are there any projects that are personally important to you—whether recently completed or currently in progress?

We just finished our new installation at the gallery’s entrance where little boats made of japanese paper are hanging from the gallery’s ceiling. The Elytis Little Boat Charms are dedicated to the Greek boat, a strong symbol of our Sailing History in Greece designed by the hands of the Greek-Japanese artist Mari Aoyama from Japanese paper.  Each little boat is unique and it is accompanied with a text from the poem of the famous Greek poet Odysseas Elytis “The Age of the Glaucous Memory”. From Autumn, we will start brainstorming for our new jewelry exhibition for Christmas.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

I really like wandering around the hills of Acropolis, watching the view of the city. I also love taking morning walks inside the National Garden of Athens.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

There is a problem of incoming mass tourism that we all are questioning. Residents of the historical center try to resist to changes, so the neighborhood does not loose its cultural, local color. Another problem that we are all facing globally is inflation and the rising cost of raw materials that increase the cost of our production & work. Either it is food, other handmade products, accessories etc.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

Greece, for the last 5 years, has an increasing financial development which influences all sectors and all businesses positively. We are all happy about this development, that our country is evolving but we all also afraid that this will be limitless at some point. What is more important for us is not to lose our identity, history, customs and cultural heritage as a nation, and not to sacrifice our culture for more profit.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

There are so many interesting local designers of handmade products in Athens. If you stroll around Plaka, Praxitelous or Nikis Street which are located in the heart of Athens, you will discover small local shops with a lot of creativity. For vegan food, we have small restaurants like Wild Souls, Avocado & Lama which I love. There is Takis Bakery in Acropolis for non specialized baked goods and Asterisque Bakery for gluten free products.

As for designers, me and Ersi both love Postfolk, Greek Archaic Kori, Lommer Design, Studio Materiallity.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

There is a cultural blooming in my country in the last few years which helps more artists to express themselves. Stegi Onassis has the most avant-guard cultural program. EMST Contemporary Art Museum is also very interesting and Athens-Epidauros Festival is full of contemporary shows (music, theater, performances) all summer.

Moreover, as  a country, we have been pioneers in the food and beverage services. You can find so many restaurants, cafes, all-day bars with delicious, quality cuisine with really fresh & local ingredients that cover all tastes and budgets. There is such a vivid nightlife also.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

I would suggest Barbounaki for fish, Aglio olio e Peperoncino for Italian pasta, Taverna Saita for Greek food, Dopios Restaurant for Greek food but with a twist and Nolan for Asian food.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

There are so many… But specifically, for Greek tastes, you could check out Four Season Organic Market on Nikis Street and ‘Ellinika Kaloudia Deli’ in the Acropolis area. For sandals, you should go to Melissinos but if you are looking for more sophisticated sandals you could search for KYMA (wave in greek) sandals. Yiorgos Eleftheriadis, Kourbela, Parthenis & Aggelos Tsakiris are my favorite Greek fashion designers and for handmade straw hats you go to SAVAPILE in Psirri area. I prefer Apivita for cosmetics and Lommer Design for accessories.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

– Instagram

– Accu Weather

– Radio Swizz Jazz

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

– Kathimerini newspaper for news.

– Athinorama for cultural events, cinema, etc.

– Vogue & Harpers Bazaar for fashion.

–  Conde Nast for places.

–  Athens Concert Hall program for music—which I love the most, follow & attend.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

Great question! I would improve the city lighting and especially lighting in buildings. I would also plant more trees and create more green zones in the center of Athens. I would make as many pedestrian streets as possible so that people can walk around in the city, and use their car less. Athens’ center has so many cars every day… On the other hand, when you walk, you discover so many beautiful spots. I would enlarge the pavements as well and clean the city till its last neighborhood.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

Athens but with small escapes to different countries in the world that I admire the most, like Japan.