In her work, Yagdjoglou focuses primarily on design and painting. While she deals with individual and collective traumas in her ‘Totems’ series, in other sculptures she uses moving elements such as screws and springs to symbolise human connections. The theme of ‘humanity’ as a whole is a recurring theme in her work.
In ‘Peoplakia’ (a neologism made up of the English word ‘people’ and the Greek suffix ‘aki’ – meaning ‘small, little’, but also ‘cute, adorable’), she takes a sarcastic look at our society and how incapable we seem to be of having deep conversations today. The sculptures, drawings and objects that Yagdjoglou creates are intended for everyday use – she believes that everyone should have access to art and joy in everyday life.
© Giorgos Vitsaropoulos
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in my hometown Athens (Greece). My house is in a tree-lined part of the city, Neo Psychiko, not too far away from the center. My wonderful atelier is also close by, it’s just a ten-minute walk.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
I love the sea, so I often go south to the coast, either for a nice walk by the sea or for a swim. That’s a wonderful thing about living in Athens. It’s very easy to escape to the Aegean. After swimming, I usually eat some fish – ‘meze’, which is what we call small plates with different dishes to share in Greece. The sea is my absolute love! It’s one of the few things I constantly miss and I’m always on the lookout for it.
Of course, if I don’t have time to travel that far, I also go for a walk in my neighbourhood. Aerial yoga or Pilates are also something I practise to switch off during the week.
© Y. Skoulas
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
1. The exploding prices for everyday goods that you normally have to buy in the supermarket.
2. Illegal immigration is one of the main issues my country is facing at the moment.
3. One of the biggest problems the average person faces is finding a home they can afford in the face of constantly rising rents and very low wages.
4. I also have the impression that the government does not respect the rules of law and the most important provisions of the constitution, as the recent wiretapping scandal has shown.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
Digitalisation is really something that helps people to deal with the bureaucracy in their daily business. You also have the impression that more people are familiarising themselves with sustainability and considering recycling and upcycling. People are willing to use more electric vehicles and learn about alternative energy sources.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
– Mantility
– Katerina Karouzou (hat maker)
– Christiana Vardakou (natural dying)
– Plastikourgio
– Epic Gelato (best ice cream ever)
– Kostarelos’ deli
– Wish bone
© Mantility
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
Mastiha is a raisin that comes from the mastiha tree, which can only be found on the island of Chios (north-east Aegean). Originally it was a type of chewing gum and an essence in sweet recipes.
In recent years, it has been used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as a digestive, as it has therapeutic qualities, especially related to digestion.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
– Argoura
– Tsaff
– Suzanna
© Park Bench
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
© Sealed Earth
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
– Instagram mainly for my work
– Facebook to be in contact with my friends.
– Freenow (a very convenient taxi app to move around).
– Wolt to order anything I might miss at home or at work, from groceries to takeaway.
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
– Lifo
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would organise a car-free day: no cars and no motorbikes. Only bicycles are allowed on the normally crowded streets of Athens. Street artists are given plenty of space to create their works, while live bands play music and people recite poetry. Of course, food stalls with delicacies from all over the world are also a must. A special day to be called ‘Athens Metamorphosis’.
© Y. Skoulas
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
Tokyo, which I visited recently and was impressed by the mix of traditional elements and contemporary, high-tech lifestyle. It’s like living on another planet.
© Leonie Yagdjoglou
