Ellis’ Athens

Maro Kardamitsi-Adami presents at the Hellenic American Union her book, featuring illustrations by Elli Solomonidou-Balanou, published by Ermis Publications

In this book, the architect and Athens scholar weaves together the city map drawn by Elli Solomonidou-Balanou’s pen. Her illustrations are well-known from her long-term collaboration with the newspaper Kathimerini, where they appeared in Eleni Bistika’s “Notebook” column and in reviews of theater, music, and dance. The book was inspired by the exhibition “Athens of Elli Solomonidou-Balanou”, presented in the fall of 2003 at the Museum of the City of Athens, which marked the beginning of the collaboration, friendship, and creative journey of the two artists. The book is a collection reflecting Elli’s deep connection with the city. As the author notes:

“Athens, my city, my first memories, my early experiences. Pencils, pen, ink… Small puzzle pieces that, when assembled, create the city, its history, its life. The illustrations of Elli are small memories of all this.”