“Practically every surface of the home was covered by some kind of decorative cloth. It must be in our collective consciousness as Greeks,” says Postfolk artist Kostis Vassiliadis.
Postfolk is about creating digital embroideries. Intrigued by the design potential of Greek folk art, Vassiliadis and his artistic partner Maria-Olga Vlachou have been taking their traditional past and transferring it to the 21st century.
The two graphic designers use prints that document happy events like fertility, prosperity, good luck and love, something the two Greek artists don’t see a lot of in their crisis torn country.
Those happy events in life are represented with lots of colour, something that defines Postfolk’s character.
“When I see a white or blank surface I just want to see it printed,” says Ms Vlachou.
“Traditionally, folk art was used to celebrate or document happy events in life, and I find that Postfolk is very much an expression of that happiness.”
The two hope to bring what many people think of as ‘daggy doilies’ back to life and give it a modern edge. Pixel by pixel instead of stitch by stitch, the duo build up a figure digitally and transfer it to a material of their choosing. But, instead of adorning the dining room table, the material hangs above in a frame. It is art of course.
“We want to pay homage to the fine needlework of the countless women who stitched these figures in table runners and toppers, on pillowcases and coverlets, and in so doing literally inscribed figures of joy – a pair of peacocks, a couple in love, a bouquet of flowers – in the very fabric of domestic life,” they say.
Currently, Postfolk are doing their first product collection entitled Discofolk. Merging the disco world with the old, the two have created special aprons that scream kitchen couture. It is their first product for their series of contemporary utilitarian objects. Each object is digitally printed on white fabric with black and white graphics using a special technique which gives the impression of genuine embroidery. Think an aged and rough texture.
The duo recently exhibited their art at El.marneri galerie in Athens for two months. The gallery showcases contemporary art and found Postfolk a hit with audiences.
For many emerging artists in Greece, it’s rare to find success in the economic drought at the moment.
“Due to present day circumstances many creative people find it nearly impossible to do the work they’re born for,” says Ms Vlachou.
“The country has unprecedented natural wealth, and a rich historical background, but the ongoing mismanagement of its resources and social programs give it a very poor present.”
Looking for international interest has been a sound idea for Postfolk. Their modern take on folk is translatable to any culture and their broad product range will make for universal exposure. They hope to collaborate with fashion houses, furniture designers and industrial designers to see their designs be used more practically, as they were traditionally.
For more information, visit postfolk.gr/