the mesolongi-aitoliko lagoon complex is located in the northern part of the gulf of patras in the central west coast of greece. with its shallow area of 150 km2 extended between the acheloos and evinos rivers, it is one of the most important wetlands in the mediterranean. the ecosystem comprises of six lagoons that are part of the natura 2000 network, protected by the ramsar convention.

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
all images © pygmalion karatzas

 

 

the photographic series were taken by architect and photographer pygmalion karatzas during april 2017. in this project, he fuses the boundaries between topographic/representational and expressionistic/pictorial iconography in its exploration of the integral perspective.

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
it is one of the most important wetlands in the mediterranean

 

 

the open and closed type lagoons communicate with the sea along channels and receive fresh water from the drainage pump system of the region, creating a unique aquaculture environment. fishing is mainly done with traditional methods by local fishermen in fish-pools called ‘divaria’. the area is also rich in black salt marsh and hosts one of the biggest salt factories. the mineral mud and sea-salt make the agia triada and alikies beaches an ideal place for natural spas, which is a daily ritual for locals.

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
the mineral mud and sea-salt make the agia triada and alikies beaches an ideal place for natural spas

 

 

the name of the settlement ‘tourlida’ was given after the marine bird species that were found in the area, the tourlides, or eurasian curlew. this islet connects to mesolongi by a causeway stretching 5 km. a landmark of tourlida is the houses on piles. they are stilt houses built by fishermen, named ‘pelades‘ in greek.

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
a landmark of the tourlida settlement is the stilt houses

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
the name of the settlement ‘tourlida’ was given after the marine bird species that were found in the area

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
the ecosystem comprises of six lagoons that are part of the natura 2000 network

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
this islet connects to mesolongi by a causeway stretching 5 km

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
the tourlida fishing settlement built by local fishermen

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
fishing is mainly done with traditional methods by local fishermen in fish-pools called ‘divaria’

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
this complex, with its shallow area of 150 km2, extends between the acheloos and evinos rivers

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
the mesolongi-aitoliko lagoon complex is located in the northern part of the gulf of patras in greece

pygmalion karatzas' photographic series reveals the rural life found in a greek oasis
pygmalion karatzas fuses the boundaries in its exploration of the integral perspective

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom