Artist in conversation: Chris Kalogeropoulos
“ The vision is to explore gastronomy in the outer space, where humans never been again ”
Chris Kalogeropoulos is the first Greek chef to innovate by combining art, gastronomy, and technology.
His digital art encapsulates the otherworldly wonders and culinary fantasies of the universe, offering a unique and captivating perspective that invites both art enthusiasts and space enthusiasts to embark on an extraordinary visual journey.
Chris's NFTs are not just about taste but about visual and sensory artistry. Each piece is a feast for the eyes, a work of art that captures the essence of his innovative approach to food and culinary design. These digital creations can adorn virtual spaces, transforming them into gastronomic galleries.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
First of all I am a chef so in a way I had art in my blood since the very beginning. As far as for this art, I inspired in the time of covid 19, when I saw digital art to created in many ways. That moment I start to study ways in order to create my own art. As a chef, always loved the minimal artistic way to present my dishes, and then came the brainstorm that I can represent my culinary art in a way that express feelings not only with the taste, but visually too. Then, I started to work with digital tools and programs like Blender etc., in order to re-create my dishes in this form, and let the people know the story behind of it.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
The only thing is that I always sit down with a cup of tea with a bit of whiskey and listening to classical music waltz. Favorite song? The Second Waltz from André Rieu and Clair de lune from Debussy.
What initially sparked your interest in the intersection of art, gastronomy, and technology?
As I said before, as a chef I love art. I have been in a lot of museums in the world and especially in Italy. I am a lover of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michael Angelo. Then, I am a man of science, and really admire Elon Musk as I consider him one of the smartest humans between Nicola Tesla and Einstein. I really admire the work that he is doing for humanity to go to space, and as a lover of this future, I inspired from him and I believe that gastronomy will play a crucial role the moment that humans will habit in a different planet. Innovation always existed in gastronomy especially now with all the technology that there is in a kitchen, that allow us for example to take the sugar, and create a ballon full of flavor inside. Gastronomy, art and technology always were walking hand by hand, and now they are closer than ever before.
What role do NFTs play in your artistic expression, and how do you see them shaping the future of the art?
The reason that I started to create these NFTs, is because I saw that in the world of the art, there was no painting, no NFT that someone can see a different perspective the food. I want when someone watch my art to see the journey to the future. To see, the new world that humanity can claim. To see the new resources that nature and this big space, can offer. To stop be afraid the unknown and in fact to welcome it. The art has no limits and I want the people and the art community to see gastronomy as a vessel not only to feed ourselves but to inspire them and make them feel excited for the upcoming future.
Can you tell us about a project or illustration that you found particularly challenging or rewarding?
To be honest I am not watching media and other projects as I spent almost 20hours per day in my work and my own project. But, sometimes I am watching that artist Dmitricherniak, and I could say that I really like his way of art. I see in his art some flair and for a reason reminds me time and space in a different way.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Look, always will be someone that will give a bad review and someone that will give a good one. Till now, the only thing that I have heard is that I am a bit crazy . Cause all of this project of gastronomy in space etc. When I will get a good review I will be happy, I am honest, but when I will get a bad one, I will be even more, cause I think that this someone that gave this review, he sat seriously and spent his time to watch and learn exactly the details of this piece. From the other hand, good or bad, I do not care so much, cause in the end, this is my art, my story, my feelings. Maybe, at some point I will get a bad review that will shake me for good and make me think in a different way, who knows, but until then, my art will not be affected from anything. I have a story to tell and I want to bring this story to the end.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
As I said before, I am focused in my goal. In the future I believe that will come, in the future that my art represents. Nothing will affect me, as I learnt in my life through the hard way, to manage my feelings and be finish what I have started no matter what. Sometimes, I sit down to create something and I don’t have the inspiration, then I won’t create anything cause if I will say to myself that I have to do it, I know for sure that this piece will not be good or I will not like it. Fortunately these times are less than the times I am inspired. I want, when I create something, when I will look it, to say that this piece is something that never done before, something that will make me feel so excited will put me in deep thoughts. Then, when this happen this piece is ready.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I feel really excited and as this is my second exhibition, I can’t wait for it. I think that The Holy Art Gallery must continue support artists, as they are doing a great job and for sure I would like to exhibit again at some point.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long term goals, is to create a project that many people will be inspired when they will see food from now on. I want my art to decorate hotels, restaurants, walls in houses, and every time someone is starring at it, to see the future through my own eyes. I want this project to be the starting point, of the consideration from scientists, about how gastronomy will play a big role in the discovery of the dark space and of other planets. I will continue to create more collections, with more gastronomical techniques, in order to achieve all this.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
My art is based on the emotion. But, if someone wants to feel what I feel, needs to know all about it. To achieve this first needs to visit ckdigiart.com and read the entire story of the project. Only then, he/she will understand exactly what is this all about. Only then, feelings like mine, will takeover his entire brain and body and will experience a journey that I created for me and the people. Of course will be people that will just see the art as simple painting, that it is ok by me, but what I really would like is from them is to go deeper and see the world behind the painting. Cause, is a really big-big world.