Education, civilization, culture and optimism: These are the four words outlining the story assigned to the students of Photography at Focus by “Epsilon” magazine; a story which was left intentionally vague, in order to let the young creators ascribe their own meaning to it.

Yvette Kapsala saw culture imprinted on the facial expressions of “lost” Athenians walking on the street. Giannis Fafoutakis found hope in the solidarity among civilians who occupied Syntagma Square. Giorgos Gavrilakis searched for culture in graffiti and other human traces “printed” on the city’s walls. Xenia Nasielou thought of television as an integral part of our civilization and culture.

The four chosen projects are the threads of a narrative weaving the story’s words and the photographers themselves into the web of everyday urban life. The pensive passers-by are the ones passing by the slogans on the wall, they might even be the ones writing them. They are the ones demonstrating at Syntagma, as well as watching the grotesque images on TV.

Optimism is one of the characteristics of the project: hope stems from the way the young photographers worked collaboratively as a team, from their sensitivity and their sensibility, capable of transforming everyday reality. As far as “Epsilon” magazine is concerned, blending the young creators’ fresh gaze with the staff’s experienced one signifies an optimistic stance per se. Focusing on education and culture, as well as continuing to work on such projects, means gazing at the future in a more positive light.

DIMITRIS ANGELIDIS
Epsilon Magazine