Sotiris Fokaias, known as SOTEUR, is a visual artist who lives and creates in Athens. He graduated from the Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA) in 2013 and completed his Master’s degree at the same institution in 2020. His work spans from street art and conceptual installations to digital art forms, exploring the dynamic relationship between public and private space. Through vivid, bold imagery and a fusion of physical and digital media, he has developed a distinct visual language that is uniquely his own.
Soteur’s artistic approach draws inspiration from neo-pop aesthetics, blending humor with critical commentary. From monumental murals in urban landscapes to groundbreaking social media projects, his work provokes thought, encourages interaction, and reveals the irony of everyday life.
Guided by a desire for dialogue and connection with the audience, Soteur continues to evolve his art, creating works that spark conversations about identity, community, and the ever-changing role of art in the modern world.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
“From everywhere! Anything can be a source of inspiration — the secret lies in how you channel it, what you make of it, and how you communicate it. If I had to give a more personal answer, I’d say my inspiration mainly comes from love — the curls of my partner — and anger — my father’s voice (who doesn’t have curls).”
What’s your favorite color?
“I’m color-blind! So, I don’t have a favorite color, but I find joy and inspiration in all of them.
Depending on the period, I prefer different palettes. As much as I love bright and vibrant colors, I equally appreciate black and white. It’s kind of like my partner’s curls and my dad’s bald head — a balance in its own way!”
What kind of music inspires you while creating?
“I mostly listen to punk rock. I think I’m stuck in a nostalgia rooted in the Tony Hawk Pro Skater soundtrack and everything that comes with that culture. I like my music — whether I’m creating or not — to have energy and life.”
Do you have a favorite film or director?
“Even though I have a classical art education, the first director that comes to mind is Guy Ritchie — I love the over-the-top coolness of his characters. Beyond that, I really enjoy movies that score around 5.5 or 6 on IMDb, like Fast and Furious. For me, films have always been a way to relax and zone out a bit, so I prefer something that doesn’t challenge me artistically. The last film I watched and thought ‘that was a good one’ was Jojo Rabbit.”
You can follow him on Instagram to stay updated on his latest exhibitions (or to take your daily dose of humor), or explore more of his work at sotirisfokeas.com.
