We know many details about the female subject of Pulp’s 1995 Britpop anthem, “Common People:” She came from Greece and she had a thirst for knowledge; She studied sculpture at Saint Martin’s College, and that’s where Jarvis Cocker caught her eye. Her dad was loaded. She thought Cocker was oh so funny. And she wanted to live like common people.
Now, twenty years later, we may finally know her identity.
Greek publication Athens Voice has speculated that the woman that Cocker took to the supermarket — he had to start it somewhere, so it started… there — is Danae Stratou, the wife of Greek Finance minister Yanis Varoufakis.
The Independent writes that Stratou “was the eldest daughter of a Greek industrialist. Her mother was an artist and sculptor and she started making small sculptures as a child before specialising at St Martins. Varoufakis is one of the key politicians in Greece’s Syriza party – a radical left wing group whose members are known for not wearing formal ties in solidarity with working people. Sounds like Stratou may have found her common people in the end.”
Here’s word that started it all, from the Athens Voice, via Google translator:
There is an urban legend that says that the «Common People» wrote PULP for artist Danae Stratou , the beautiful wife of Yanis Varoufakis when still studying Sculpture at Central St Martins College of Art & Design in London during the period 1983 to 1988 . His words , however, the beautiful song is revealing .
Danae Stratou is the eldest daughter of industrialist Phaidon Stratos historical Piraiki Patraiki and Helen Potagas – Stratos also artist and sculptor . He grew up in Plaka and describes herself as a tomboy in a family where the men were minority. Unlike the four sisters -the two of which come from the first marriage of the mother thereof; she liked helping her father in agricultural work and to drive cars , motorbikes and boats . Great weakness , horse riding .
He began to flirt with fine art as a child , making small sculptures and constructions . At 20 , a student in London, experimented with the Fine Arts and graduated from Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London , specializing in sculpture and installations. University returns after years , in 2007 this time as professor of the Graduate Program of the School of Fine Arts , and counts several solo exhibitions and many participations in group exhibitions .
Well damn. Here’s hoping Cocker chimes in on this. Hat tip to David Bernstein via Twitter…