Christos Christidis & Michalis Maidatsis

CHRISMA58

Fan maker

©George Vdokakis

Creating as a team

A law graduate and an architect turned to craftsmanship
What they love most is when the mind and the hands become one
They advise young artists to start making things with their own hands

Christos Christidis, who initially studied law, and Michalis Maidatsis, who was an architect, started working together in 1987 when they created their first functional objects (lamps, boxes, screens) using cardboard as their main material, for various shops in Thessaloniki and Athens. The two artists believe that our surroundings are what gradually end up defining us. In this sense, the aesthetic improvement of everyday life is a source of inspiration for them. Their interest in construction has led them to interact with various artists, mainly painters, enriching their knowledge at multiple levels. “Working as a team means having a mirror in front of you, both for the good and the bad,” they say.

Interview

©George Vdokakis

©George Vdokakis

Why did you choose this career?: Because it makes us feel free and self-sufficient and most importantly because it enables us to have total control over the conception and implementation of an idea.
What techniques do you use?: Central to our work is the idea that by selectively altering the properties of materials, such as the shape, colour and texture, by using techniques similar to trompe l’oeil, we can create the conditions for an interesting dialogue with the raw material.
Where did you find inspiration for your hand fans?: We first approached the theme of the hand fan through its symbolic dimension. It is an object that has emerged over time as a sacred, magical intermediary in most societies. Through its movement, the hand fan spreads wishes, dissolves bad energy and transfers prayers.
Is your craft in danger?: We cannot know how many other artists do the same work we do. However, we are optimistic: even if our craft disappears, someone else will pick up the thread again from the beginning.

Christos Christidis & Michalis Maidatsis are expert artisans: they began their career in 1987