In the vibrant educational, artistic, and broader cultural history of the past 35 years, the name Karolina Aslani speaks volumes. Certainly, a single encounter isn’t enough to grasp the full scope of her work. But it’s worth being there, even as a mere observer, to catch a glimpse—however small—of the art of revisiting memories, which are so important to the evolutionary course of Kythirian life during that period.
Ms. Aslani’s entire presence, after all, evokes «art.» Visually, verbally, and in her movements. A single encounter with her is enough to develop a unique sensory experience through the ebb and flow of her memories. Every word she utters is imbued with sensations to which scents, colors, and stimuli—both familiar and distant—are anchored. Like a déjà vu you encountered in the mist of a morning dream. Like a spell that has escaped from some faded puppet show. Like the ones he used to put on so successfully once upon a time at the Mercato in Chora, for children of all ages, alongside his partner and lifelong companion, Dimitris Leventis.
In the interview she granted us, Karolina Aslani «unraveled,» piece by piece, the entire mosaic of her journey in Kythira. She presented them one by one, without trying to sweep any «skeletons in the closet» under the rug.
She spoke to us about her career in education, voicing her complaint about the central government’s 40-year-long «stop-and-go» policies. She mentioned her «tenure» at the Kythira Local Archives, expressing her concerns about how its collection is being utilized. She shared her love for Kythira’s natural beauty, recalling her favorite walking routes on the island. She relived hilarious stories from the puppet shows and «shared» a bit of the magic of her paintings with the Kythera.News camera.
She spoke about her personal dream related to the Byzantine heritage of Kythira and explained the main reason why, according to her, there is a lack of coordination in joint artistic initiatives on Kythira, while at the same time «encouraging» a specific local organization to take on the role of coordinator. She praised Eleni Harou’s multifaceted role in shaping the island’s identity and recalled colorful anecdotes from her activities over the years, in which figures such as Valerios Kalokairinos, Tasos Arniakos, and Marie Koronaiou played leading roles.
Kythera.News feels particularly honored to have met and spoken with Karolina Aslani. We thank her for joining us and sharing with us a glimpse of her colorful and radiant life.
Nikos Antonakis
