Katherine Grigorakou

Katherine Grigorakou © courtesy of the artist

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up?

My name is Katerina. I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. I studied European and International Relations in the University of Piraeus. After that, I was kind of looking to do something with my artistic nature, which was always there as a side project. The first time that I actually thought ‘’Mmm, this would be nice to have as a career’’ was when I was responsible for the brochure of my university’s drama play. I fell in love with the whole process of creating and bringing to life a vision. Which led me to a year abroad for my Master’s in the History of Law, which of course led to photography lessons. I did a whole year of Darkroom Development which made me of course fall more in love with photography, and realised that this was the path I was supposed to take from the very beginning. Cut to, two years ago, where I enrolled to Photography School and got my diploma as well as finishing my second Master’s in Cultural Administration.

Katherine Grigorakou © courtesy of the artist

Can you tell us more about the subject matter of your work?

For me photography is an expression of emotion. I try as much as I can to capture feelings in the photos I take. I would say my work is based on aesthetics, emotions, minimalism, romance, love and freedom. Lately, I have been trying to collide my two favourite worlds : photography and collages. Mostly, using my photographs in collages. Sometimes, they help you send the message a lot better and in a cute way. When I am travelling, I get to do my favourite type of photography which is street photography. There is something raw and interesting every time you try to capture a moment starring a stranger. No concept, no ideas just the person, the place and the moment.

Katherine Grigorakou © courtesy of the artist

What motivates you and which are your biggest influences?

My motivation is that I have to create as much as I can. When I am creating, I feel at peace. I just love the feeling of creating. It could be the smallest thing but it can give me immense joy and peace. My biggest influence is probably everything I see. It could be a movie, a song, a picture, a painting, a poem or even a memory.

The artists I admire are Jean-Michel Basquiat and Frida Kahlo. And as far as photographers, I love looking at the work of Vivian Meyer, Martin Parr, Harry Benson as well as Michael Putland.

Katherine Grigorakou © courtesy of the artist

Who would you most like to collaborate with and why?

My dream collaboration would be to create an album cover for an artist. It could be a photograph or a collage. I don’t have a specific person in mind, but if anyone of the artists I admire asked me to do it, I would happily do.

What have you been working on at the moment? What’s next?

Due to the current situation, I mostly created art with all the supplies I had at home. Mostly looking through some old stuff, and recreating. I recently did a fun photoshoot, mainly showcasing the current situation with a little bit of hope for the future.

Katherine Grigorakou © courtesy of the artist

Follow Katherine Grigorakou on Instagram and check her website.