10 Questions with Alexandra Tiligadi

Alexandra Tiligadi, born in Greece, embodies a life dedicated to the convergence of architecture, poetry, and design. With an impressive academic background spanning Architecture [MA], Sustainable Energy Planning, Marketing [MA], Construction Project Management [MSc], and Cultural Organizations Management [MSc], she seamlessly blends disciplines to create captivating poetic experiences. Her architectural journey has spanned across Austria, Germany, and Greece, breathing life into diverse projects that harmonize sociocultural and artistic elements. In 2018, Alexandra established "Urban Commons", emphasizing participatory design processes for city spaces, empowering communities to shape their environments collaboratively. A passionate educator certified in Architecture, Marketing, and Renewable Energy sources, Alexandra invests in nurturing young talents. In 2022, she founded "11 Modern Muses", a dynamic, ever-evolving place of interweaving art, poetry, and architecture. Here, her creations inspire mindful living, speaking to art enthusiasts' souls. Alexandra's journey takes an eloquent turn with her upcoming poetry collection, poised to release in late 2023. Her words promise to resonate deeply, capturing emotions and perspectives in verses that touch hearts worldwide. Alexandra Tiligadi continues to weave her vibrant creativity into the fabric of life, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.

www.11modernmuses.com | @11modernmuses

ARTIST STATEMENT

Alexandra Tiligadi (Greek, b. 1990) exudes artistic brilliance at the nexus of architecture, placemaking, socioculture, and poetry. Trained as an architect, her work resonates with architectural innovation, poetic depth, and intricate design, setting her apart as a visionary. In 2022, she founded 11 Modern Muses as a follow-up to her former brand, Let's Greek iT. 11 Modern Muses is a dynamic place where art, poetry, and architecture harmonize, inspiring mindful living and resonating deeply with art enthusiasts. Alexandra's artworks transcend mere visuals; they host her poetic verses, fostering a dynamic interaction between word and image, unveiling profound layers of meaning. Her art marries light's allure, architectural echoes, and graceful curves, but the true magic lies in the fusion of design and poetic prose. Inspired by Cycladic Agriculture, the Ionian Sea, and Greek Light, her palette showcases balanced earthly tones. Her minimalist forms, tinged with a Doric sensibility, strip away excess, focusing on contours, edges, and tonality. This distilled approach elevates the essence of form. Her verses weave intricate emotions and perspectives, composing a universal symphony. Alexandra Tiligadi's lasting impact enriches the world with inexhaustible creativity, reflecting the profound union of design, poetry, and the human soul.

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. What is your background, and how did you start getting involved with art?

Dear reader, I am Alexandra Tiligadi. I live my life through architecting, poeting, and designing. A Greek poetic moment-seeker who creates design experiences for art lovers. As a child of a philologist and a mathematician, I was exposed to the world through art, numbers, and words. From a young age, I started getting to know theatrical plays, museums, artists, and scientists. As I grew up, I started to express thoughts through poetry, but for some reason I stopped. I'm still trying to remember what happened. It had something to do with a review I received. Around 2015, I wanted to express myself through unconscious momentary poetic writing and combine it by creating narrative collages of photographs, drawings, and shapes. But then something else happens. I had to become an Architect. I had to find a job in an Architectural office. And I stopped again. After years of finding myself, I accepted that I am not only an Architect, I am not only an Artist, I am not only a Poet but an amalgamation of all the above. And then began an ever-evolving journey of understanding that all the art forms I use as means of creative expression beyond traditional design allow me to communicate ideas and feelings in unique ways. Also, my multidisciplinary educational background in Architectural thinking, Sustainability and Engineering, Participatory design approaches, Cultural Management and Social Marketing is the core of my purpose-led project (#UrbanCommons) and my passion-led project (#11ModernMuses) in my life.

You come from an architectural background and specialize in Sustainable Energy Planning. What inspired you to pursue an art career? 

The intersection of architecture, sustainable energy planning, and art has always captivated me. Art provides a means of creative expression beyond traditional design, allowing me to communicate ideas and emotions in unique ways. By pursuing an art career alongside my architectural background, I can enhance my design skills, explore aesthetics more deeply, and inspire others to embrace sustainability through my art-products and design services from a Greek solopreneurship view. 

After living in Austria and Germany, you decided to return to your roots and move back to Patras. Why did you choose this city? And what does it represent for you?

Patras, affectionately known as the "city of rain," holds a special place in my heart as my beloved hometown and the backdrop of my childhood. My close people are here. The places that I most loved. Memories over memories. Returning there represents a return to my roots, a sense of belonging, and personal and professional fulfillment. I have a strong cultural and personal connection to the city, which offers a high quality of life, proximity to family and support systems, and the chance to embrace its cultural heritage and traditions. Creating my base in Patras is essential, as I aspire to build a meaningful impact, inspire the community, and engage in a slow, conscious living.  

How would you describe yourself as a person and as an artist nowadays?

I am a passionate moment-hunter for urban happiness and education, using architectural thinking, art, and nature to inspire people. As a versatile and ever-evolving artist, I constantly explore new art forms, combining them to convey meaningful messages and narratives. Through my art, I aim to evoke emotional responses, spark conversations, and encourage introspection. I believe that architecture is an artistic practice that serves people's daily lives. If I were to describe myself in one word, it would be an energetic and passionate verb, narrating and listening to stories while delving into the depths of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Let's talk about your project, 11 Modern Muses. Can you tell us what it is and what your main goal is with this project?  

From my studies in Architecture, I knew that I wanted to create places and not just spaces for people. Τravelwords between cracks, unanswered questions, sequences of lust, and fruits of logic were the keystone for 11 Modern Muses. An ever-evolving place of art that create soulful design objects and shape experiences that inspire the senses and encourage mindful living.
The 11 Modern Muses' eclectic collections of Wall Art (artprints, poemprints, and textprints), Home Fragrances, and Stationery are meant to make us rethink the way we view our daily lives, the aesthetics of our home, and the alignment of our parts: body, soul, and mind.

Where do you get inspiration for your creations? And what is your artistic routine when working?

Thoughts that start popping up effortlessly, unconsciously, immediately in my head. Words that become phrases, that become verses. Each poem has its own narrative pulse. Pulses like alloys ready to hatch. Hellenicity, these small important moments of everyday life, the handholding of an elderly couple passing by my studio, eros, and human existence are elements of inspiration that are reflected in every creation of 11 Modern Muses.
In terms of my artistic routine, I believe in the importance of regular practice and discipline. I allocate dedicated time for creative exploration, whether it's sketching, experimenting with different materials, or exploring words and poems. I also make a conscious effort to engage in activities that fuel my creativity, such as visiting art exhibitions, reading, and collaborating with other artists. This routine helps me stay inspired, maintain artistic growth, and bring my creative visions to life.

Let's talk about your aesthetics. What are your models and sources of inspiration?  

The most relevant word for me is aesthetics. As a word-seeker, I find meaning in composed words that express my values, mission, and vision for my personal and work practice. 
Muse is defined in the dictionary as, among other things, the guiding spirit and the source of inspiration. The 11th Modem Muse in my brand name refers to all the creative creatures out there who are inspired by our stories but also are a source of inspiration themselves. Those who want to embrace a chaotically organized - always eclectic - aesthetic-ethical life. For me, this Muse was and will always be my topos, Greece. The Helladicness, the light that springs up in every corner, the flawless outspokenness of the sea. A lyrical reserve that is the core of my every thought embodies the essence of life while surrounded by a feeling of certainty towards its values.

What about the colors and materials you use? Do they have a specific meaning for you? How do you choose them?

Inspired by Cycladic Agriculture, Ionian Sea, and Greek Light, my palette showcases balanced earthly tones. The colors and materials I use in my artprints hold specific meanings for me. I select colors based on their psychological impact and symbolism, considering the emotions they evoke. When choosing materials, I consider their unique properties and how they contribute to the desired effect. By carefully considering these elements, I aim to create art that resonates with viewers on an emotional level and invites interpretation.

Is there anything else, art-wise, that you would like to experiment with? Are there any new techniques or mediums you would like to incorporate into your practice?

As an artist, I am always eager to explore new techniques and incorporate different mediums into my practice. I have a strong curiosity for mixed media approaches, combining traditional art forms with digital elements. Additionally, I am intrigued by the possibilities of incorporating unconventional materials and exploring three-dimensional artwork. Embracing new techniques, mediums, and poetry allows me to continuously evolve and expand the boundaries of my artistic expression.

And finally, what is your biggest goal for 2024?

My biggest goal for 2024 is to achieve a sense of balance in both my personal and professional life. I aim to prioritize self-care and mental well-being while pursuing my artistic endeavors. Additionally, I am determined to cultivate a deep connection with my art and fall in love with the creative process. By finding this balance and passion, I believe I can produce my best work and continue to grow as an artist, and be a source of inspiration (the 11th Modern Muse) for passion-led poemlovers. 

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.