German artist Helmut Middendorf moved to Greece after meeting
and marrying Athens gallery owner Eleni
Koroneou ten years ago. Born in northern Germany,
Middendorf moved to Berlin in the early 1970s. Although initially
interested in conceptual art and film, Middendorf moved to
painting just as neo-expressionism was blossoming in Germany.
He joined forces with a group of artists, who opened their
own exhibition space. Middendorf quickly won acclaim in Germany
and abroad. Middendorf has lived, worked, and exhibited in
Italy as well as New York. He now shares his time between Athens and
Berlin, but also spends summers at his home in Santorini .
As an artist living in Greece, what are some of the most
common problems you face?
Greece is still a bit isolated from the international art world. But that's not a real problem for me - I also have a studio and apartment in Berlin and I manage to travel a lot -- recently to Paris, Madrid and New York. If I couldn't travel so much, things would be difficult.
How has living in Greece changed or enriched your style,
in terms of form and content?
I like living and working in Greece. The way of living is lighter and more relaxed, and this has influenced my work. In Berlin my work becomes darker, heavier.
Do you feel the Greek art scene has changed in recent
years?
I have been living in Greece for over ten years now, and
things are changing for the better from year to year. There
are good galleries (although we still need more) and serious
collectors. The thing I really miss is a Museum
for Contemporary Art - a place where international
and Greek artists can meet. There is also need for a new art
magazine.
For Greek artists, the situation is not ideal. Collectors
are increasingly interested in international art, particularly
American art, and photography by up and coming artists. These
collectors are usually not willing to pay comparable prices
for Greek artists/ work. If I were a Greek artist, I would
not be living in Greece. Often, the Greek artists who have
met with the most success, have done so outside of Greece,
such as diaspora
Greeks .
