I was born in Athens, Greece and live for many years in Leeds, England. My studies include Sociology, Humanities & Arts. I have been the president of Leeds University Photosociety since 2005. I am a disabled photographer and citizen, conscious from very young about constructions of social and personal difference.
When I was a boy, my dream was to become a chess grandmaster. Chess is a small model of life, but with one big difference: its concepts are not contested, truth is truth and chess mat is mat.
I reached an international chess level, but also worked in many different jobs and projects (in schools, hotels, police stations, the street, big and small offices). I travelled around the world and lived for awhile in Australia. Throughout these years
I have explored social divisions and tried to view the world from different perspectives.One thing is clear: 'Truth' is contested.
I have also become active in areas of human rights and disability rights. In 2006 I refused to accept an awarded BA degree from Leeds University, with direct result of my actions the University of Leeds to expand the scope and alter the range of provision towards its disabled students.
Photography has become my major focus during the last years. It is as much a part of the continuing search for meaning and 'truth', as well as a passion for life. I have participated in several group exhibitions, including Leeds Art Gallery (2002), and The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds (2006), which was supported by Oxfam's international campaign 'Control Arms'.
Currently, I work in self-initiated projects of documentary and art photography. I am particularly interested in issues of cultural representations, the formation of self and identity, social difference, dis-ability, and embodiment.
I use both film and digital photographic processes. My main tool of work has been the Olympus OM-System. But often I employ modern Canon EOS cameras and lenses or other much older ones, depending on the context. Please contact me, to discuss any ideas and thoughts, through email at: christos.stavrou@gmail.com or call me at +44(0)7811039130.
When I was a boy, my dream was to become a chess grandmaster. Chess is a small model of life, but with one big difference: its concepts are not contested, truth is truth and chess mat is mat.
I reached an international chess level, but also worked in many different jobs and projects (in schools, hotels, police stations, the street, big and small offices). I travelled around the world and lived for awhile in Australia. Throughout these years
I have explored social divisions and tried to view the world from different perspectives.One thing is clear: 'Truth' is contested. I have also become active in areas of human rights and disability rights. In 2006 I refused to accept an awarded BA degree from Leeds University, with direct result of my actions the University of Leeds to expand the scope and alter the range of provision towards its disabled students.
Photography has become my major focus during the last years. It is as much a part of the continuing search for meaning and 'truth', as well as a passion for life. I have participated in several group exhibitions, including Leeds Art Gallery (2002), and The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds (2006), which was supported by Oxfam's international campaign 'Control Arms'.
Currently, I work in self-initiated projects of documentary and art photography. I am particularly interested in issues of cultural representations, the formation of self and identity, social difference, dis-ability, and embodiment.
I use both film and digital photographic processes. My main tool of work has been the Olympus OM-System. But often I employ modern Canon EOS cameras and lenses or other much older ones, depending on the context. Please contact me, to discuss any ideas and thoughts, through email at: christos.stavrou@gmail.com or call me at +44(0)7811039130.