Marilena Grispou | SAFE SPACE

In a series of 50 photographs, Marilena Grispou’s exhibition titled “SAFE SPACE” explores, in the most astute way, the key concepts of women’s psychological, emotional and physical safety in this day and age. Based on her personal experience of losing her “safe space,” Grispou captures the search and renegotiation of this feeling through 25 photographic portraits of women that reflect their relationship to both their inner and outer world.

This photographic project calls upon the public to contemplate their own relationship with safety and the factors that may threaten or reinforce it: What is the definition of safety? What experiences deprive us of it? And how can we reclaim it? The exhibition “SAFE SPACE” urges us to wonder, ponder and act towards ensuring a physical and mental space, in which people feel protected, free and strong.

Her work focuses on narrative photography, or weaving stories through images, utilizing both analog and digital photography, as well as state-of-the-art post-production techniques.

Marilena Grispou is a photographer based in Athens. She studied Photography at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK, and continued her education at the Leica Academy of Creative Photography in Athens. With further studies in Film and Photography, she has developed a diverse artistic work that includes educational activities as well as participation in festivals and social projects.

The photo shoot took place at the Sports Center in Goudi. Αpart from a safe space, in the water, Penelope also finds a place of healing.

The photo shoot took place somewhere in Faliro. We met at the train station and walked together towards our destination. We climbed the concrete columns, gazed at the sea and she talked to me about her future plans and her preparation for the Athens School of Fine Arts. She had paint on her hands.

The photo shoot took place at the outdoor courts in Panormou, following some accurate and some inaccurate shots.

The photo shoot took place at Kavouri, the place where she often goes to relax. She had recently bought the car, and there were still coins scattered on the floor mats.

The photo shoot took place one night during Carnival, at a house party that Despina had organized with her siblings and cousins. And it’s a very large family. I noticed that they look very similar to each other!

When I arrived at Anna’s house one afternoon, I knocked on the orange door (as she had told me). We made coffee, sat in the living room and talked for about two hours. I noticed that her house is dominated by bright, saturated colors, especially orange.

The photo shoot took place at her house. She has a very playful cat that kept getting into the frame of the camera. Evdokia has a lot to say about the issue of security and how she feels —both inside and outside— of her safe space.

The photo shoot took place at the house, where she lives with her brother. The reason her room is her safe space, is because in it she can choose whether to be alone or with others.

The photo shoot took place at her house. We sat down, chatting, until her cats got used to me and my camera.

The photo shoot took place at her home one morning. I noticed that she has many encouraging, inspiring words hanging on the walls of her room. During our conversation, she held a plush doll in her hands and kept holding it the entire time.

The photo shoot took place at her house, where she lives with two housemates. Elli is also a photographer, and we shared many thoughts and ideas.

The photo shoot took place at the National Technical University of Athens. She showed me around the places she used to go with her friends, and we openly talked about the things that concern her. She had a film camera with her and took some photos of me as well.

The photo shoot took place in Filopappou, after a short walk on the Hill. Our conversation was quite emotional as we opened up to each other. Eva is a rare human being.

The photo shoot took place in a hidden theater in Filopappou, after we jumped over some wires to enter another theater, until we were kicked out. We put music on and she danced, she shared her safe space with me.

I stopped by her house to pick her up and we went to Alsos Veikou. We walked up the hill and found a quiet spot. We sat down, chatted, we laughed. I had brought my dog along. He is the reason she is smiling so warmly.

The photo shoot took place on Hymettus, after a twenty-minute ascent. We had the opportunity to enjoy the sunset, gaze at the view and to share her safe space.

The photo shoot took place on Strefi Hill. Until we met for the appointment, I hadn’t realized that I already knew her, because I only knew her as “Koni”. We had a good laugh about that.

The photo shoot took place on the hidden side of Filopappos Hill, where it is rare to encounter people.

Ioanna is the youngest person involved in the project. I was impressed by her clear thinking, her awareness of the subject and her critical thinking in relation to her age.

The photo shoot took place at Rematia Chalandriou, after a walk with our dogs. She had written down some notes in order to talk about her safe space.

The photo shoot took place in a small cafe in Exarchia, which has a small library for the regular customers. She was photographed after she had scanned the whole library.

The photo shoot took place on Hymettus, after a car ride. We listened to the radio and chatted.

The photo shoot took place at the Indoor Basketball Court of Agia Paraskevi, after her training.

The photo shoot took place at the Conservatory in Chalandri, where she works. When she opened the door, I immediately felt that this was her home. She mostly played music; we chatted only a little. I completely understood why music is her safe space.

We met at a concert at the Propylaea, just before she and her friend went up on stage to sing.