Polixeni Papapetrou interviewed in Empty Kingdom
Melancholia 2014
Polixeni Papapetrou is a photographer whose work is surreal as it is intriguing. Walking the line between real and dream, her photography makes fantasy out of the world. Check out her interview:
Tell us about yourself, where are you from? How long have you been an artist?
I was born in Melbourne, Australia, to Greek immigrants. I have lived in Melbourne all my life. I love to visit places all over the world and admire them greatly, but I work best in Melbourne. I have trouble imagining living anywhere else, as the city and the rural character surrounding Melbourne inspire me so much.
I had a career as a lawyer before I turned to photography. I began taking photographs in the late 80s, but it was only in 2000 that I decided to work as an artist. The theme that I enjoy pursuing in my work is the relationship between history, contemporary culture, and identity. Intertwined with this is how dress-ups and performance can construct and portray identity. My subject matter has included Elvis Presley fans, Marilyn Monroe impersonators, circus performers, and body builders. For over a decade I have been exploring the portrayal of childhood in photography and have been engaged in an intimate photographic collaboration with my two children and their friends.