Photographed in Olympos, Karpathos, this image captures a moment from the litany of the icons that takes place on Easter Tuesday.
Two men carry icons directly in front of their faces as part of the procession. Their identities are concealed, replaced by the sacred images they hold. The gesture is structured and repeated throughout the litany.
The figures stand on elevated ground, with the village of Olympos unfolding behind them. The dense arrangement of white houses follows the slope of the mountain, forming a continuous backdrop that defines the setting.
The composition separates the scene into two layers: the foreground, where the ritual takes place, and the background, where the village remains still and present.
The embroidered fabrics wrapped around the icons introduce intricate detail, contrasting with the simplicity of the landscape.
The positioning of the figures creates a sense of balance, while the absence of faces reinforces the collective nature of the act.
This photograph documents a moment within a larger procession, where the movement through the village connects the participants to the place itself.
Part of Ethos, a long-term body of work exploring traditions and cultural expressions across Greece.
Museum-quality black and white photography print by George Tatakis, produced on Hahnemühle Baryta Photo Rag 315gsm using archival pigment inks. Open edition, with signed and framed options. Each print is house-stamped on the reverse.
