The presentation of the book “I Deny” by Ioanna Lazarou and the Anthology “Aroma Miteras” (Mother’s Scent), which took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 9, from 18:30 PM to 19:30 PM, at Pedion tou Areos, at the “Manolis Anagnostakis” Stage, stole the impressions of the book-loving public.
The presentation was part of the 53rd Book Festival, which takes place from September 5 to 21 at Pedion tou Areos, an exhibition in which the Businessrise Publishing House -owned by the multifaceted distinguished journalist Ioanna Lazarou-, publisher of this Anthology, based in Miami and performing a titanic task for the dissemination of Greek literature, the arts and culture of our country in general, is participating with its own Pavilion, at No. 224. The Businessrise Publishing House pavilion welcomes a large number of book-loving public daily, among them the first citizen of the country, H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, whom the Publishing House warmly thanks for the highest honor.
The book “I Deny Bouboulina 1821 – 2021” by Ioanna Lazarou, demonstrates in practice how “the power of the pen can be transformed into an entire army in favor of a homeland in need of liberation. The pen writes words of love and begs for help from every corner of the earth. It resurrects liberal senators and awakens Presidents of states, as well as ordinary citizens. If we all assume our responsibility, we will shape a better life for everyone”. The presentation of this exceptional work was undertaken by journalist Christos Mytilinios, businessman Emmanouil Giannakis and artist Sofia Mitraki, who also signed the cover, but also the entire illustration of this special publication. The distinguished artist, in the interview she granted us, emphasizes, among other things:
“I was inspired by the fact that what Ioanna does through her writing, I have been doing through images for years. In other words, I am motivated and sensitized by all these events that concern humanity. Ioanna, knowing my work, understood that her own texts, which also concern everything that happens in society, can collaborate with my own works and did me the honor of asking me to take on the illustration of her book. Together we chose a few representative works, so that the protagonist of the book would remain the text and not be overshadowed by the visual part. In general, there is a leveling off in art worldwide, but also in our country. What interests me, mainly, is to sensitize and mobilize the consciences of adults through art, as Ioanna does through her specific book! And of course, to sensitize some people too, if they become sensitized, that "It's our role! Our role is not to limit ourselves to simple decorative frames, the role of art is to deal with universal and global issues, that is its purpose."
Sofia Mitraki was born in Athens, lives in Glyfada and has a strong artistic presence in Greece and abroad, through solo and group exhibitions, book illustrations, lectures in Educational Institutions, interviews in the Media, as well as excellent reviews and international awards for her work, as a Hagiographer, Painter, Pyrographer, Sketcher, Cartoonist and Conservator of Art Works. In September she will take part in an International Art Exhibition in Limoge, France and as she emphasized to us, International Exhibitions are always a priority for her, as they are thematic, but the criteria for selecting the participating artists are always strict.
The Anthology “Aroma Mother” is co-authored by 26 daughters, drawing inspiration from their purest, selfless and timeless love, that of their unique mother. Twelve of them participated in the event, where they experienced particularly emotionally charged moments and signed this unique book about Mother, to all those who honored this simple and content-filled event with their presence. Words of love, gratitude and devotion were transformed into a book, from the pages of which overflows the emotion that stems from the most catalytic presence in the lives of all of us, our Mother! The “daughters” who participate in the Anthology with their texts are, first of all, the publisher Ioanna Lazarou herself and (in alphabetical order) the following: Maria Angelika, Eleni Vassiliou – Asteroskoni, Georgia Giampourani, Aliki Danali, Georgia Deberdemidou, Eleni Dera, Kira Karnezi, Evita Konstantinou, Nina Legatou, Popi Manafa, Katerina Marinaki, Fani Matsinopoulou, Dina Milou, Rory Moulinou, Jenny Bakomitrou, Konstantina Bouzika, Mina Boulekou, Maria Pappa, Despo Pilavaki, Angeliki Pluma, Konstantina Rodi, Roula Skourogianni, Lena Fatourou, Irini Fragkaki, Maria Chroniari, Rachel Suissa.
. The stand manager is Tony Kavalieros, who is a worthy replacement for the publisher Ioanna Lazarou, who was unable to be in Greece for personal reasons. Key pillars for the successful completion of the event were journalist Christos Mytilinios, responsible for its excellent presentation, as well as Panagos Ioannis, who photographed and videotaped the entire event, which was broadcast live by https://www.facebook.com/businessrisepublishing
Personally, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to my now-friend Ioanna - after so many years of loving and fruitful collaboration - for the honorary invitation to participate in the unique and high-level publication of the Anthology "Aroma of Mothers".
