Man of Stone

Man of Stone is a photographic project – tribute to humanity’s enduring relationship with nature, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. This connection, initially driven by the need for survival, evolved through imagination and creativity. Stone and wood served as the primary materials for crafting tools, building shelters, and creating structures that supported sustainable living for thousands of years.

In modern times, reconnecting with nature is equally vital—not just for physical survival but for mental and spiritual well-being. By embracing this awareness, individuals can rediscover the forms and textures of nature, sparking imagination and enhancing their perception of the world. When imagination leads to action, life can transform through new choices and sustainable ways of living.

The Artists

The photographs represent a creative dialogue between photographer Dimitris Vlaikos and sculptor Panayiotis Marinis. Marinis, a master craftsman and the last traditional sculptor of his kind, carves ancient tools as objects of art. Using only natural materials sourced near his home, he applies the same methods and techniques employed by his ancestors 30,000 years ago. His work is a living testament to history, bridging the past and present.

In addition to still-life photographs of Marinis’s tools, the collaboration took Vlaikos and Marinis to the hills of their shared homeland, Aegina Island. There, they explored and documented the enduring stone footprints left by their ancestors—a profound connection between history and the land.