Unmasking reality
- Fotios uses different symbols to express himself
- His work serves as a bridge between ancient civilisations and today’s culture
- People who are touched by his work give him strength to keep creating
From his Athens-based studio, Fotios Balas creates masks using old objects and toys that would otherwise end up discarded. "When I was younger, I thought that all artists were self-taught, as my grandfather was a well-known furniture maker and my aunt made ballet costumes," he says. When he learned that he could study art, Fotios decided to attend the School of Fine Arts at the University of Western Macedonia in 2009. He started collaborating with galleries and selling his work and jewellery to various stores while he was still a student. Gallery Lola Nikolaou in Thessaloniki, his hometown, was the first to showcase his work. "For me, art is a way of life. It is as natural as breathing. Through this journey, I am trying to figure myself out, too,” Fotios explains.
INTERVIEW
I consider myself multidimensional as I have a multitude of ways to express myself through my work. I study ancient civilisations, mythology and history, and I combine all of these with current affairs, everyday life and issues that bother me. I use various means of expression such as constructions, sculptures, masks and jewellery.
Inspiration comes in a random and spontaneous way, but I am usually inspired by materials. I often work with old toys and objects, and I combine them with other materials, paints and glues. I might be casually inspired by what I see while walking down the street.
The creative process is my favourite part, I get lost in it. I relate to Cavafy's saying, 'It is not the destination that matters, but the journey.' I try to enjoy my craft as I did when I was a child, despite the difficulties. When I create, I am honest. I never create an object worrying whether it will be liked, exhibited or sold.
Masks balance art and fashion. I have always been interested in the correlation between what we wear and who we are. We all wear social masks nowadays, and we are surrounded by a lot of hypocrisy. Mask making is a code through which I can say a lot, especially about what bothers me.
