Intro: Effraim.

Sometimes flatland can become one big blur, not many individuals stand out. But when they do, it brings a smile to my face like nothing else I have experienced in my life and a sense that all is alive and well. George Manos is a man with a vision, and is not afraid to stand out and paint a different picture. This is when flatland truly comes into its own in my opinion. Carving your direction can be a lonely process, here we caught up George and photographer, Sotiris Gkonis for some background and some amazing photographs which capture Georges dark personality. Two perspectives: Novum Organum.

Text: George Manos.

Living in the city of Ioannina for almost ten years now. A historic city with legends from the old times and a lake 2.000.000 years old, some say, surrounded by mountains, grimy sometimes and dark, yet beautiful and nostalgic when the sun comes up. For the most part its dark and rainy, the heavy atmosphere is easily built and it was not long until it rubbed off on me. Being sick of waiting for the sun in order to ride I did what a desperate man would do I got out of my comfort and started exploring the darkness trying to find a haven to ride, the best places I found were mostly like dungeons. In the heart of the city, yet still remote and thus perfect for my mystic experiments. Images and tricks, motions, came naturally after I let myself drawn in the surroundings, embracing despair I was rewarded with treasures that I could carry into the light, yet they shine better in the darkness in my opinion, that’s why I choose mostly to present my ideas in the place of their development. With the help of Sotiris I managed to capture the process of it. I wanted to do this for a long time, welcome to my world.

Text: Sotiris Gkonis.

George reminds me of these artists, such as Lukas Samaras (greek as well) , who try to create their own path no matter what, in an environment that guides them to do the exact opposite. He is one of a kind at what he does and how he approaches it. I know him for three or four years now and the progression of his riding and way of setting up the whole thing is ridiculous. But the recognition of this approach remains unfortunately in the same level. Even in ‘’progressive’’ sports, such as bmx, unique styles are still a taboo. I believe that this is the fate of every human that is trying to bring something different to the surface of our society and doing it silently. George is one of them, silent as when you see him ride, silent and never disappointed because he is doing it for himself in a city far away from the industry.

Remember this?

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/new-george-manos-edit