An opera singer. I would also love to play the piano.

 

Tell us about your five favorite habits.
I’m constantly changing – I don’t really have a routine or a set of habits. But I’ll give you three that are part of my life right now:
1. Coffee as soon as I step out of the bed
2. The days I workout I end my shower with super cold water. This is a new one and I’m loving it
3. If I have a few drinks while having dinner at home, I like to go for a walk before going to bed and listening to some music. Those are actually the only habits that I enjoy.

 

A statement or phrase that describes you?
Loneliness is always a good company.

More than ever.

Back in the Island has been one of my most special projects. Telling the story and directing it made me see how important it is for me as an artist to express myself without being limited to one discipline. The truth is that I didn’t plan it. It all started because my gallery in Paris Molin Corvo asked me to do a project that could represent my art. I was already planning on working on a video, but I never thought it would become a short film. As I began to work on the idea for the story, I identified the places that embodied my inspirations as an artist, specifically the series of paintings with the same name. Since my work is abstract, I wanted to represent in a realistic visual way what my experiences transmit to my paintings –  my return to the island, the reunion with my culture, the memories of my childhood and the beliefs that were once so familiar. Everything simply flowed.

Which director is a source of inspiration for you?
Yorgos lanthimos. I always loved his work.

What do you think about the relationship between fashion and cinema? To your mind, in what ways could fashion film help both industries?

I think fashion will always be part of cinema, as it represents and communicates eras. The same happens with the influence that fashion has over the spectator. I believe movies and TV in general also influence fashion by reintroducing looks from the past. They both play a big role in each form – there’s a clear line of communication between the two. I feel fashion campaigns these days are so poetic, so much richer with their content. They are trying to tell a story and the same is happening with fashion shows. Just take Balenciaga’s latest fashion show (Balenciaga for AW22 Womenswear)

Looking back, is there a particular job or story you would like to share?
Well I have two stories in one. I remember when I met the owner of Nilufar Gallery, Nina Yashar. I have a great passion for interior design and being able to collaborate with her was a dream. I remember that she came to my studio and saw four panels that I was painting at that time. She told me: “do you know what comes to my mind with those four panels? A paravento! framed in brass and back upholstered in velvet.” I just thought: “Delizioso!”

I remember learning that word in Milan a long time ago. When I was younger I did some fittings for Valentino. Maria Grazia (now at Dior) would look at the clothes being worn and if she loved something she would say “Delizioso!” It is a word that Italians use a lot to express beauty, delicacy, and good taste. For me it always had more to do with a delicious meal. But after that I just ended up loving that word and it really now feels like beauty.

Is there a person, company or group you would like to meet and work with?
The Gagosian Gallery.

How do you see yourself in 10 years?
To be honest I don’t have an answer for that question. And I think that’s perfectly fine.

Tell us something about your experience at Fashion Film Festival Milano.
Wonderful. Unexpected. I didn’t think my short film was going to get into a festival with a focus on fashion. It was a big surprise. Then I saw the jury and I was very impressed. I admire them all so much. Winning Best Documentary felt amazing and so did sharing my work and being part of so much beautiful talent. Thank you Fashion Film Festival Milano.