Looking through the photos in your book Conversations I was reminded of a quote from Hamlet's soliloquy: "tis a consummation devoutly to be wished." The ironic juxtaposition of foods/phones and the capturing of the moment in time, sensing that both meal and messaging were somehow interrupted, I began to wonder what words were being shared between the people at the different tables. The beauty of your art is that each time I look through the pages of the book, my eye discovers a new perspective and my imagination is stimulated in yet another direction. Your photos represent an essential evaluation of the human social condition with regards to the evolution of personal technology.

—Georgio, Venice, Italy

With respect to Catharsis, I wanted to add that out of the series it was one of a few that didn’t have a meal or the remnants of a meal. This was a more positive quality to me because it didn’t look like something that had ended, more like a conversation that was ongoing. But at the same time, the atmosphere has tension—the wine has yet to be drunk, a tool for applying pressure sits in the center. The table literally has nuts that have been cracked, calling to mind the familiar idiom. There’s a sense of disquiet, like the conversation will lead to revelations, perhaps thereby resulting in the “catharsis.” I think the picture has a great mix in that it’s a really cool image and people could easier appreciate it on aesthetic alone, but the feeling is still there. 

—Catherine, Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Palios,
I hope all is well. I am a student at Duke University, where I am currently taking a class in Documentary Studies. I wanted to reach out and tell you that I found your series of photos of theaters very compelling. Your artist’s statement resonated with me deeply, as the photos in your collection brought back memories of shows that I have seen in similar theaters that embody diversity through storytelling, even in the face of consumerism. I appreciate how your photos represent the timelessness of theaters and reflect upon the ways can identify common experiences with those who lived centuries before us. Lastly, I admire how each photo was taken at a different angle, as, even though they depicted different venues, it felt as though each photo worked in conjunction with the others to form a full picture. I look forward to exploring more of your work.
Best,

—Arden, NC

I am very happy with the photograph. I wasn’t expecting this, but somehow in my house it evokes a feeling of spaciousness, and if not exactly optimism, a feeling of hope—which is odd for a condemned bridge. Looking through the lattice formed by the bridge is like looking through a window, and with the river you get a sense of forward motion. Also, my neighbor commented that the silo and bridge in the distance look at first glance to be futuristic—so its almost as if you are looking through the past to the future. Because of the layout, I catch glimpses of it when I’m coming in the front door, going up or down the stairs, etc, and I love the way it changes with light. In the evening, when the light is dim, it looks like a watercolor when you glance at it.  

I enjoyed meeting you and learning about your work.  I am very much looking forward to opportunities to see what you are doing in the future.

—Stephanie, Arlington, VA

Though my husband and I have been married almost 10 years now, we only recently bought a house because his schooling/job required us to move every few years and so "home" was in flux. Now that we're finally able to stay for awhile in one place and really "live" in a space of our own, we see "home" in a new way--a place to be shared with loved ones, a place for those big life moments, heck even a place of solace during the ugly, sad, or hard times. So when we saw your "Conversations" series of photographs, we saw them as stories, snapshots of shared times with beloved people—informal, lived-in, comfortable, personal, perhaps even messily intimate. We see the delicious food being eaten, the drinks, and the good time being had. We see what we hope for in this home. 

After I solidified in my own mind why I like your work so much, I read on your website your statement about your "Conversations" series and was so pleased to see vastly different meanings in your work (cell phones! food waste!) Now knowing about those layered meanings, looking at Nexus in our home will never get old; there will always be something to say about it, we'll enjoy sharing it with our family and friends, and we'll no doubt continue falling in love with it.

—Erin, Greeley, CO

You have managed to turn something realistic and multidimensional into images of high aesthetics and narrative, open to more than one interpretation characteristic in each piece of art. The sense of moment in being arrested is intense and contrasts with the perfect directing of your frames.

On a foundational level, the appearance of your photos acts like a magnet for the viewer. However, this is only the beginning, since their contact with them does not remain in the superficial aesthetic realm, but goes deeper, as the almost archetypal image of the table is recognizable and omnipotent, able to recall memories and lead to associations for every viewer.

The familiar character of the topic helps you pass your message about the role mobile phones play in our lives. Their place at the table, a meeting place we could call sacred, highlights the importance that we have given them. Issues of crisis of human relations, dependence on technology or, from a more optimistic perspective, normal coexistence with it, past among present.

At the same time, your work has a very personal character that makes it stand out from others with similar content and approach, since it speaks to moments from your life in the two countries which define your identity. There is a lot of Greece here—much revolves around food in that country, every social event and important personal moment is connected with it—and that seems very interesting to me, because in fact you are in these pictures, they are part of your story.

—Natasha, Lensculture (Greece)

Thanks again for following up yesterday. I've decided on Solidarity. It evokes a wonderful memory of a meal last year in Bilbao, Spain. We had gone specifically to see the Guggenheim as I'm a fan of Frank Gehry architecture. A local couple gave us a tip on where to eat....finding it was quite an adventure to a very old part of the city where the narrow streets made our GPS useless and much of the signage was in the Basque language with very little Spanish to be seen. We found the spot, or at least a spot, with a menu of full of beautiful fish, stuffed squid and grilled octopus...all Basque style. We ate like there was no tomorrow. 

—Maria, Denver, CO

Thrilled to see how nice the photo came out displaying your art in our kitchen. It should definitely help business to have a portfolio with how customers are displaying your awesome art.

—Linda, Westport, CT