Photographer and Artist Xenia Lekanidi creates exceptionally conceptual decorative objects with sleek surfaces and arresting colour contrasts
Discovery
Every time I see Xenia Lekanidis in Athens or in Andros she exudes a serene elegance. She is not one to discuss her work. In fact we had many talks with no overt mention of her creations. I discovered her talent through a mutual friend and her correspondence with me has always been tinged with a calm self-effacement.
All the decorative objects strikingly featured in her Tibia collection have sleek surfaces, arresting colour contrasts and are conceptually based on her lifelong occupation as a photographer.
From an early age, Xenia knew this was her passion. All her images are limited edition ones and can be printed on plexiglass or aluminum for wall hanging purposes.
To fashion her objects, she chooses three materials – plexiglass, marble and fabric. Her renderings of unfurling sails are printed onto plump linen cushions. With plexiglass, she takes sheets of it in dazzling white or glossy black and creates trays, shallow vases and umbrella stands.
After travelling the world toting camera and laptop, Xenia takes her workload home to Monaco, Athens and to the islands of Spetses and Andros
Memory
Born and educated in Athens, Xenia moved to London to learn Montessori teaching skills, however it was when she returned to Greece that photography dominated her life. From her first published book capturing the colours and faces of India, she has had solo group and exhibitions in Athens and in Monaco where she first showed the plexi boxes.
The idea of these came by accident. While looking at a clear plexiglass container to house her collection of pictures, she wondered how one of the images would look superimposed on it and was delighted with the result.
All the decorative objects strikingly featured in her Tibia collection have sleek surfaces, arresting colour contrasts and are conceptually based on her lifelong occupation as a photographer
Narration
After travelling the world toting camera and laptop, Xenia takes her workload home to Monaco, Athens and to the islands of Spetses and Andros. She has a fond familiarity with each place and each in turn inspires her. In particular on the two islands she has recollections of her childhood summers when a young eye observes nature’s purest aspects such as the sea, plants and animals.
In Andros and Spetses the tranquil rhythm of village life, the daily occupation with agriculture and handicrafts is a soothing inspiration whilst Monaco and Athens, even while urban, also provide a relaxed, coastal perspective.