vassilis vassiliades — Vassilis Vassiliades, the artistic director of the 2025 Larnaca Biennales, embodies a profound connection to art and culture. Living in Nicosia with his family, Vassiliades approaches life with a reflective mindset, often pondering the nature of a ‘perfect day’. Rather than chasing an ideal, he seeks to find meaning in each moment, asking himself what makes any day worth celebrating.
Vassilis vassiliades: Literary Inspirations and Personal Reflections
For Vassiliades, literature plays a crucial role in shaping his worldview. He names Borges’ Labyrinths as the best book he has ever read, stating that each story reflects a cog in the mechanism of his thought process. This literary influence is not just a pastime; it resonates deeply with his artistic philosophy and approach to the Biennale. He believes that the stories we immerse ourselves in can act as mirrors, revealing aspects of our inner selves with remarkable clarity.
Music, Memory, and the Creative Mind
When it comes to music, Vassiliades prefers the rich narratives found in radio plays and audiobooks. His eclectic tastes range from Chekhov to Dostoyevsky, showcasing his appreciation for classic literature. With an archive of over 200 plays and audiobooks, he constantly enriches his understanding of the human experience. Recently, he completed The Book of Revelation, a profound experience that left him eager to revisit its vivid imagery.
A Unique Perspective on Nature
Vassiliades identifies with birds as his spirit animal, appreciating their role as messengers that connect earth and sky. The myth of Ganymede captivates him, symbolising the unification of different realms. This connection to nature informs his artistic direction, as he seeks to communicate deeper truths through the Biennale’s offerings.
Personal Achievements and Artistic Integrity
When discussing pride, Vassiliades reflects on his identity and the journey that has shaped him. He emphasises the importance of authenticity, crediting his successes to himself and those who have supported him selflessly. Despite recognising his past mediocrity, he remains committed to avoiding spiritual stagnation, striving instead for continual growth and understanding.
Cinematic Impressions and Artistic Sensibilities
While Vassiliades may not be an avid cinema-goer, certain film scenes have lingered in his mind. He recalls the striking imagery from Pasolini’s Medea and the haunting frames of Greenaway’s works. Such visuals resonate with him, contributing to his unique artistic sensibility—one that prioritises feeling and symbolism over traditional narrative forms.
Conversations Across Time
When asked whom he would choose to spend an evening with, Vassiliades names the Renaissance painter Giotto. Fascinated by the beginnings of modern Western painting, he imagines the stories Giotto could share about his experiences and the influences that shaped his work. This desire to engage with historical figures reflects Vassiliades’ curiosity about the interconnectedness of art through time.
A Journey to the Past
If he could time travel, Vassiliades would journey to the late Middle Ages, envisioning himself as a Carmelite monk returning from Jerusalem. This era, steeped in occultism and spiritual practice, intrigues him as it balances worldly concerns with deep introspection. His fascination with the past underscores his belief that art should mirror the complexities of human existence.
Facing Fears and Embracing Growth
Vassiliades candidly admits that his greatest fear is fear itself. This acknowledgment of vulnerability speaks to his desire for personal growth. He advises his younger self to be patient, a reminder that the journey towards understanding and artistic fulfilment takes time.
Values in Communication
In a world where language can often be limiting, Vassiliades finds that a limited vocabulary is a dealbreaker in relationships. He values rich and meaningful conversations, recognising that they can elevate human connections and inspire creativity.
Anticipating the Future of the Biennale
As the 2025 Larnaca Biennales approaches, Vassiliades is excited about the potential for artistic expression it will showcase. With over 117 creations from global artists, the event promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and cultural dialogue. Vassiliades’ vision for the Biennale is to foster connections and provoke thought among its visitors, allowing each piece to resonate in unique ways.
