These collages by Christos vary in the effect on the viewer, but are cohesive in style. His use of shades gives creates a different atmosphere for each piece. He uses warm grays for a more nostalgic and dreamlike feel, and cold stark whites and blacks for pieces that are more sophisticated or fashion-oriented. There is such a range to his style that I wouldn't expect from using such a monochromatic palette!

Christos Kourtoglou
flickr.com/photos/masterview/
Greece

Describe your work in 10 words or less.

Nostalgic in a modern way, sad in a happy way. Or vice versa.

What do you like to work with (magazines, photographs, vintage)? Be specific!

I use images from magazines (fashion mostly) and image banks.

How long have you been creating collages and what made you start?

About a year or so. I began illustrating with sketches and vectors but I realised that I couldn't visualise the things I had in mind. So I tried to develop a collage style that suited me more.

Are you solely an artist, or do you work in another profession?

I work as a graphic designer. Recently I'm doing work for a magazine and I'm part of the Indyvisuals Design Collective, here in Athens.

Do you have any formal art training?

No. I have studied sociology and done some graphic design courses.

Explain your favourite techniques.

I use acrylic paint to make backgrounds or elements I can use in different artworks. I cut and paste images making different compositions. Then it depends. Most times I divide them and making edits in photoshop or illustrator. Sometimes I keep the original.

Describe your favourite piece ever created.

I like a lot the longhair and beast pieces.

What other artists do you admire?

Gustav Klutsis, Kurt Schwitters. Jean Michel Basquiat. Andy Dixon, Edouardo Recife.

Thanks Christos!