Today we are very excited to present our conversation with Greek photographer Alexandros Othonos, (b. 1998 in Patras where he currently lives and works). His work has won many awards such as the Tokyo International Award in 2022, (silver winner in fine art portrait category) and is also shortlisted for this year’s Sony World Photography Award.

My passion and my love for photography came into my  life four years ago completely by accident. When I lived in Athens my friend  was studying photography. I was trying to help her with her work and by some magical way I was drawn to it. I realized that photography was the only  thing I loved doing! Since then I work on photography based on people, in my own way, using my imagination. 

Your greatest inspirations and influences ? 

Every day I study and see ideas from great works of old and new  photographers. One of my favorite old photographers is Man Ray, his work has left a huge mark on photography to this day. Of course there are  many other photographers and artists out there who do excellent work and are a real inspiration for every photographer.

How would you describe your work and style? 

I would describe my work as a bit more abstract and mocking. It always aims to convey a feeling to the viewer. Many times the feeling I want to convey  depends on the viewer. I always invite the viewer to  imagine their own story. 

How does innovation affect your work as an artist? 

Innovation has a positive impact on my work. When I see other photographers with beautiful work, many of whose photographs I admire, it  gives me motivation and inspiration to evolve and become even better every  day. 

What does wellbeing mean to you? 

When I feel good and my emotions are positive, I can set my imagination free  more easily in order to create something. However, this is also true on days  when I may not be feeling so good and the emotions are negative, I can show  those feelings through my work and the result often surprises me.

We must  accept our feelings, whatever they may be.  

Follow:  @alex_othwnos.