INTERVIEW WITH DIONYSIOS

Dionysios Is a Greek multidisciplinary artist straddling the lines of the real and the metaphysical. He is A painter, a sculptor, a traveler and many more.

Recently, The Greek Economic Forum sent a congratulatory letter to the new US President, Joe Biden, and the Vice President, Kamala Harris. And Dinoysios was chosen to create This grand digitized art (see picture). This art project is called RENAISSANCE / REVOLUTION 2040.

I met Dionysios in Paris, a couple of years ago while he was studying Psychology. From our first meeting,  we quickly connected. His strong presence, charisma and deep soul drew me to know more about him.

His work and my work at Allëdjo are quite similar yet in different industries. He captures the souls of his audience, his environment and creates physical art pieces from what he had soaked up.

This last collection was inspired by the Cyclades, the blue and white colors. Needless to say, in the creative process of this new season, I have reached out to my long-time Greek friend, who recently moved back to Athens, where he now operates from his studio.

I wanted to know more about his culture and he gladly brought additional insights to my own experience of many trips to the Cyclades.

How is life treating you? How has this past year been for you?

Life has been interesting, to say the least. With everything going on, I took this year to really slow down and reevaluate what matters to me, personally but mostly in terms of my art practice. This year has been very fulfilling and creative, and quite busy actually, working on projects that I am super passionate about.

You lived in Paris, until recently. What made you move back to Greece?

I wouldn’t say I moved back to Greece, but I did choose to spend this past year in my country. My work allows me to operate from wherever I chose, and with all that is happening right now, I figured it would be a great time to transition my practice to a more peaceful environment and spend time in both Paris and Greece which are my favorite places in the world.

You have recently told me that you felt happy and fulfilled in Greece. Could you tell us more?

The energy of Greece is really special to me. I think this mix of ancient culture, relationship to nature, and warmth of the locals has transformed the way I see life and my own work. I am currently working on a massive new project, inspired by Greece and its history but pushing the boundaries of technology, culture, and art in a very innovative way. My brain is on fire at the moment with all that’s going on and I love it.

 What does travel mean to you?

Travel is a state of mind. You can travel physically but you can also travel with your mind, your eyes, your senses. Traveling is food for the soul.

You are Greek and I am pretty sure you have countless stories to tell about your country. Yet, do you remember your first trip to the Cyclades?  What can you share with us?

My first trip to the Cyclades was probably when I was still an infant, with my parents. Greeks we are lucky to consider the islands and especially the Cyclades as our own private backyard. I can’t really remember my first trip to the Cyclades but I can feel their energy even as I am answering this question. It’s unique. It’s freeing. -

Is there a holiday memory that particularly stands out?

I think last summer. I found a small uninhabited island in the Aegean sea. There was nothing on it and you could access it only with your own boat. I spent some days there alone, painting a gold rock. My father brought me back to Athens once I was done. It was the most peaceful experience.

What is a tip you have for people visiting?

Don’t plan. Go with the flow. Greeks are easygoing people and this country has a very fiery element to it. Enjoy what it has to offer without thinking too much.

Is there a secret place that you love?

That uninhabited island with my gold rock.

What is your favorite local food? What are your favorite places to eat?

Giros. It’s greek unpretentious street food. I crave it every time I’m not in Greece. As for restaurants, you can find all the good ones on fancy lists on Google. There is a great little seafood tavern at the Cape Sounion, next to Posseido’s temple. It’s fantastic.

Where are you staying while you are there?

I am staying on the Athens Riviera. It’s a southern neighborhood of Athens, next to the beach. I feel like I am on vacation all year long here.

What are you planning to do this summer?

I am planning on working all summer on my new series of public works. It will be a tour around different Greek islands creating installations that will become part of the contemporary landscape of the country. I can't wait.

A word for Allëdjo?

Allëdjo is really unique in its approach. We don’t have a lot of African fashion brands that really try to push the boundaries of what fashion is while maintaining a sense of culture and heritage. It’s so important to have people, brands, and businesses that represent different cultures and especially when they do such an exceptional work of merging their own heritage with different cultures. The combination is always magical. I am excited for where Alledjo will go and especially for this Greek-inspired collection.