When you talk for the first time with Dimitra Hatziadam, the renowned Greek photographer, who is intertwined with the beautiful images of our imperious Evzones, you immediately understand her passion for her work and her genuine enthusiasm for everything she does. In a full-length interview she talked to us about her career, her studies and what the Greek flag and the Evzones mean to her, whom, through her amazing photos, she traveled to every corner of Greece and wherever there is Hellenism around the planet.
Eva Metis Koutoumanou - Photos: Dimitra Hatziadam
- How did you decide to get into photography?
Optional photography classes were starting at school and I decided to attend them without knowing if I would continue and certainly not where this choice would lead me. Then, of course, followed my studies in Thessaloniki and then my settlement in Athens, with seminars, workshops and productions on photography, which continue until now.
-Tell us a few words about your career.
Since 2010, I have been an accredited photographer at the Presidential Mansion and the photo shoot concerns the visit of foreign heads of state and the credentials of ambassadors. At the same time, I worked with a Metropolis in Athens immortalizing several churches and chapels. Along all that, there are many years of cooperation with all embassies in Athens to cover their events.
There are also several institutions and companies that I cover photographically their events, conferences and presentations as well as films for cinema. Recently, I received an honorary distinction for my work, published in the photo album "Colors of Orthodoxy", for the promotion of Orthodoxy around the world.
The distinction was the result of an international photo competition, where more than 4,600 photos were submitted by 400 photographers, as 20 countries participated.
-What do the Evzones mean to you who photographed them in a magnificent way?
Initially it was very special for me as a woman but at the same time because it was the first time I came so close with the elite corps of the Greek army. I had the privilege of living every day, for three years, next to them from the first to the last day, every minute of difficulty, success and emotion of their service in the Presidential Guard. With the foustanella (outfit) and the tsarouchia (shoes), the Greek symbols in front of which we all feel awe.
I realized that the Evzones are an inextricably linked family, with special codes of communication and excellent cooperation. A family characterized by endless stubbornness, respect, perseverance, discipline, patience and certainly manliness to achieve their goal.
Characteristics of our national identity that make us proud as Greeks, for the Evzones are a symbol whose reach has worldwide recognition.
-How did you feel when you were first at the Acropolis with the Evzones for raising the Greek flag?
I will try to describe it to you with a simple picture. The ritual of raising the flag on the Acropolis takes place every Sunday by the Evzones, without the presence of other people. It is a completely different and intensely quiet Athens, very early in the morning. I had the priviledge of being present with the Evzones and being honored on behalf of the Nation. As you watch the flag rise on the mast, facing at the same time the ancient miracle of our civilization, Acropolis, you are moved and humbly bow to its greatness!
A wave of emotions becomes a knot heavy in my throat. There are times when at a particular stimulus the eyes speak with tears and the mouth cannot utter a word. The heart beats louder watching the raising of the flag, and all that can be heard in its loud waving.
Although I have been there more than 40 times, the intensity of this moment was everytime like the first time I first saw the ritual.
-You have presented one of the most successful and longest-running photography exhibitions since 2016, entitled "EVZONES / The guardians of the unseen". What can visitors admire in your exhibition?
Through the attendance of hundreds of visitors and students, the photo exhibition -with a strong educational and cultural character- has been successfully hosted in 23 cities within and outside the Greek borders. I am there to answer questions and comments, to share the story behind each of my projects, in order to make the Presidential Guard accessible to the eyes of the world. The public can admire the 6 impressive works depicted in the Evzone uniforms, in a life-size of 2 meters.
The exhibition includes more than 70 works, in a contemporary presentation, accompanied by rare experiential testimonies of the Evzones and a valuable audio recording of their activities. The authentic euzone materials - tsarouchia-footwear and foustanella-outfit - complete the presentation, offering viewers the opportunity to touch them and perceive the greatness of the prominent body. Especially for
students, a two-hour interactive briefing takes place.
-What are your next professional plans, in relation to the photo exhibition?
I am in contact with institutions in Greece for the presentation of the exhibition in various locations in 2024. Certainly a big dream of mine and my goal is for the photography exhibition to travel wherever there is Hellenism, as Greeks abroad and philhellenes are thirsty for this subject.
With the presentation of the exhibition both in Greece and abroad, the aim is to sensitize children and adults, bringing them into contact with our history, values, symbolisms and Greek culture in general.
The only sure thing is that they will see and hear about events that they do not have the opportunity to learn from anywhere else. I remember, at an exhibition, a lady asked me if the nails in the coarse had any usefulness. The only answer at that moment was "what would Greece be without this characteristic sound..."
Every child admires a fictional hero, mine are the Evzones... and they are REAL !!
Thank you very much for your hospitality and I wish you "happy Independence Day and always free".
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History of exhibitions:
ATHENS 2016|KAVALA 2016|THESSALONIKI 2017|PIRAEUS 2017|IGOUMENITSA 2018|GALATSI 2018|BATTLESHIP "G. AVEROF" 2018|AMALIA HOTEL 2018|CHANIA 2018|XANTHI 2018|WARSAW 2018|RETHYMNO 2019|ACTIONNORTH ARCTIC CIRCLE 2019|MESSOLONGHI 2019|KASTELLORIZO 2020|NESTOS 2021|THASSOS 2021|SYROS2021|KATERINI 2021|NAFPLIO 2021|SERRES 2021| MELBOURNE 2021|KARDITSA 2022|METRO SYNTAGMA 2023|
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