World • 2h ago
‘Arms and legs are very expressive, especially with bruises’: the absurdist photography of Yorgos Lanthimos
**The Unique Lens of Yorgos Lanthimos: A Glimpse into Greece**
In the heart of Athens, a striking new temple has emerged, showcasing the captivating photographs of acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos. These images, taken over the last few years, offer a fresh perspective on Greece through the director's signature absurdist lens. As you wander around the temple's perimeter, you'll discover a collection of photographs that blend the mundane with the bizarre, often leaving viewers with a mix of emotions.
One image depicts a coffin resting against a wall next to a mop, while another shows a pair of horses with their heads chopped off, juxtaposed with trees in the foreground. A roadside memorial is placed beneath a warning sign, with the road symbol pointing upwards, hinting at the possibility of an afterlife. These photographs, much like Lanthimos's films, elicit a sense of unease and discomfort, leaving viewers to ponder the narrative behind each image.
When asked about his photographs, Lanthimos notes that their interpretation depends on one's mood. "You might laugh at it one day, and be moved by it the next," he says. This duality is a hallmark of Lanthimos's work, showcasing his nuanced understanding of the complexities of human emotions.
For those familiar with Lanthimos's work, it may come as no surprise that he has always been drawn to photography. His previous images, showcased outside the temple, often intersected with his film projects. During the production of "Poor Things," he captured lavish portraits of the film's stars, while also highlighting the behind-the-scenes elements that usually remain hidden from view. In contrast, his latest body of work, inspired by American photographers like Lewis Baltz and Henry Wessel Jr, takes on a more aesthetic approach, exploring themes that are not necessarily tied to his films.
Lanthimos's recent decision to step back from filmmaking, citing creative exhaustion, has allowed him to focus on photography, resulting in this captivating collection of images. As you navigate the temple, you're invited to experience Greece through Lanthimos's unique lens, one that blurs the lines between reality and the absurd, leaving viewers with a lasting impression.