Dimos Gallis

ARTIST STATEMENT
I practice stage and conceptual photography. I consider many variables before my shootings. Usually, my workflow begins with defining the concept. I tend to be as open as possible to anything that would lead to an exciting idea. I draw inspiration from many sources; internal (thoughts, memories, sentiments) or external (literature, the Arts, current affairs, etc.) Once I come up with a powerful concept, I try to support it further through relevant material of reference (books, articles, albums, similar artworks, etc.). The human element is profoundly present in my art. I prefer choosing my models among people dear to me as they tend to feel more relaxed and giving during the shooting.
Next, enter the props and accessories. I love strolling around the downtown flea market in search of engaging objects. Alternatively, I seek for assets browsing over digital royalty-free photo libraries. Compositing is an art on its right and has its rules. All diverse elements, for example, should meet similar photographic conditions (lighting, perspective, optics, etc.) I usually choose a simple white wall or a paper backdrop for background and one or two flash heads with attached softboxes. In my sessions, I may collaborate with a costume designer, a makeup artist, and a hairdresser should the concept demands it. The sessions last 2 hours maximum. I do all my post-production, including compositing, at home on Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Finally, Giclée printing on thick, archival watercolor paper, matted and framed is my preferred way of illustrating my work.

ΒΙΟ ΝΟΤΕ
Dimosthenis Gallis’ artworks demonstrate a unique painterly style derived from his love in painting, drawing, and sculpture of the Renaissance and the 19th-century Romantic movement. Gallis specializes in staged photography, with his primary technique being digital compositing. His images have an emotional and storytelling quality, addressing concepts like solitude, perception, time, nudity, and introspection.
A self-taught artist, he decided to get involved with photography after a two-year stay in Florence. Julia M. Cameron, Ansel Adams, André Kertész, and Robert Mapplethorpe were some of his influences.
Many of his artworks belong to the permanent collections of the American College of Greece, the Athens Municipal Gallery, the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Cavafy Museum - Alexandria, Egypt, the Corfu Heritage Foundation, as well as in private collections in Greece and abroad.
Gallis lives and creates in Athens, Greece.