Between tradition and passion: football through the strokes of Apostolis Dimitropoulos

The Greek artist, known for his thematic paintings of football, recognized the need to turn back to the artistic path and began his journey in the world of painting. Using symbols and attributes of the sport, the canvases carry the abundance of his Greek roots that, through intensity and colors, depict a bit of his artistic vision with Brazilian figures and elements.

We spoke with the artist about how it all began, his creative processes, and how his Greek roots and aspirations contribute to portraying the intensity and passion present in his works. Check it out below:

• Where did your contact with art come from? Was it something you nurtured a passion for since childhood, or was it something developed over time?

  So, the thing is I had absolutely no involvement as a child, but as I grew older, I always felt the need to escape into artistic things. And that's how this wonderful journey with painting began!

  

• When creating your paintings, do you draw inspiration or references from someone/somewhere? If so, tell us a bit more about it.

  Personally, I always have images of great moments or personalities in football. The influences are many, in addition to the fact that, nowadays, information is "running" constantly! I have moments captured from my childhood, and my nostalgia is clearly visible in my artworks.

  

• In what way are your Greek roots implemented in your works?

  Hmm!! I think what shows the Greek element in my art is the abundance, the colors, the intensity... all of that, combined with my strong personality, I think completes the whole situation!

  

• Your drawings have various symbols and tributes related to football. Where did this love for the sport come from, and when did you decide to focus on this type of representation?

  I mean, I grew up in a house where football was always present! My father would record tapes, then I would read newspapers constantly, as I still do today. Then we started going to the stadium, I played football until going to school, so you can understand that the stimuli came from all sides. The fights in the neighborhood, all of this is imprinted in my soul. Now, regarding when I started dedicating more to works related to football, I already had in mind an exhibition based on this theme – and it happened! That's how I understood this was the way to go! But, without neglecting other paths in painting, we are open to everything – that's how an artist should be, in my opinion.

  

• In relation to Brazil, what space do the country and Brazilian figures occupy in your art and life?

  Ufff, what can I say about this country!!! Let me start with the aura, the energy, the passion? There are so many things... I am a true fan of the Brazilian element. About the "foreign" players, let me say... I am speechless, deeply impressed. Plays beautifully, by the way!! Great school in general. My favorite players are Ronaldinho, the phenomenon R9, Adriano Imperador, and many others that keep coming to my mind!!!

  

• How did your contact with Pedro Andrade from PIET come about, and what was the creative process that resulted in this collaboration, especially marked by the drawings that stood out in the project?

  Pedro, my brother!! I really love this guy. He sent me a message on Instagram for the first time, and we talked; ideas for designs quickly emerged, etc. This guy is amazing, he’s a scientist, I tell you for real!!! Innovative and incredibly generous. I met him in person this year in Paris during fashion week, and I am very happy – it’s an honor to collaborate with him. I wish him and his family all the best. Stay tuned, we are coming with a lot of energy and many new designs!!!

  

• If you could give any advice to someone, what would you say?

  Now... who am I to give advice? All I have to say is: keep your focus on your goal, fight for it as much as you can. The difficulties are many, the failures too, BUT WHEN SUCCESS ARRIVES, NOTHING COMPARES TO THE BAD MOMENTS!! Humble and grateful for everything that life and God bring us – and you never know what comes next. Thank you for your time.