Theodoros Nikolau was born in Chalkis, Greece in December 1982. His first interaction with
investigative journalism comes in 2007, in the newspaper TA NEA (Lambrakis Press
Group). He specialized in social reportage, focusing on migration and socially
excluded groups. Working for different newspapers, digital media and magazines he carry
out missions in Greece and abroad, completing a series of researches and photography
projects. For more than three years, he has been studying and photographing Balkans,
sponsored by the Onassis Foundation. Travelling in ten countries of the Balkan
Peninsula, his first goal was the making of a narration which would manage to synthesize
a common fate between the people. Meanwhile, he teaches visual storytelling and has a
project in progress about mental health and social stigma.
DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY
As civil war rages in Syria, hundreds of thousands of refugees going through the «Balkan Route» with destination the countries of Central Europe. Many of them remain trapped in the main entry point, Greece, against their will.
I follow them from Greece to Croatia, trying to gather emotions, hardships, and some beautiful moments. Children inevitably are at the core of my interest . In spite of not knowing the historical fact that takes place –the second largest population movement after the Second World War – they are are involved in it. I believe that if there were no children, this journey would be even harder. The will to live, is the main feature that you realize on these people. With all their belongings in a suitcase they cross countries, not only to avoid war, but to gain a new life. From the beginning.
