Daimon Xanthopoulos, the photographer and filmmaker, has captured a powerful and thought-provoking look at the state of Athens in 2013 in his photo and film reportage “Fear in Athens”. Xanthopoulos’ images serve as a vivid illustration of the fear and desperation that had taken hold in the city after six years of austerity and financial crisis.
Through his lens, Xanthopoulos sheds light on the impact of the financial crisis on the lives of ordinary Greeks, from the long lines of unemployed people waiting for government assistance to the makeshift homeless camps that have sprung up on the city’s streets. The images also document the rise of extremism and racism, as the country prepares for May’s EU and local elections, with one in five Greeks supporting the ultra-right nationalist Golden Dawn party, some of whose members were accused of racist motivated murders.
Xanthopoulos’ reportage serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of economic hardship and political instability. It shows how the financial crisis not only devastated the Greek economy but also eroded the social fabric of the country, creating a sense of fear and insecurity that threatens to tear the nation apart. Xanthopoulos, with roots in Greece, has a deep personal connection to the story he is telling, and his reportage is a testament to his commitment to capturing the truth and shining a light on the struggles of the Greek people. His work has been featured in international exhibitions and has been praised for it’s powerful storytelling. In conclusion, “Fear in Athens” is a thought-provoking and impactful photo and film reportage created by Daimon Xanthopoulos that provides a unique window into the struggles of the Greek people during a time of great uncertainty and upheaval.
Publication: VPRO Grenzenloos/Bureau Buitenland, Dagblad TROUW, Magazine Nieuwe Liefde
Video on Request: please visit www.SalientFilm.com for more information
Photography
