Lanthimos's Athens Temple: A Photo Sanctuary

Director Yorgos Lanthimos has opened a new art exhibition in Athens, presenting a collection of his personal photographs. The exhibit is uniquely housed within a newly constructed structure resembling a temple, featuring tall white columns and an inner sanctum.

These photographs, captured over several years in his native Greece, offer a distinctive view of the country through Lanthimos's well-known absurdist and nuanced perspective. Images include evocative scenes like a coffin against a wall and horses framed by trees, often blending humor with darker themes.

Lanthimos states that photography serves as a personal escape from the pressures associated with his filmmaking career. He mentions that even actor Emma Stone, who has collaborated with him on multiple films, found a meditative quality in processing negatives during their shoots.

While some images relate loosely to his films, like portraits from 'Poor Things' or 'Kinds of Kindness', Lanthimos emphasizes that his personal photography is an independent pursuit. He has recently returned to Greece after living in London, seeking a slower pace and rediscovering his homeland's unique beauty.

Lanthimos, who is taking a break from directing films after making three back-to-back, plans to focus on his photographic work. He notes that despite his on-screen persona, he is naturally shy, which sometimes challenges his ability to photograph strangers.