In a world often dominated by rapid transitions and fleeting digital imagery, the enduring power of classical realism offers a grounding sanctuary. Athenian artist Athina stands at the forefront of this contemporary resurgence, masterfully blending technical precision with deep emotional resonance. Working across graphite, colored pencils, soft pastels, and watercolors, her pieces are far more than mere photographic reproductions—they are vibrant, luminous windows into the human spirit and the timeless heritage of Greece. Having recently claimed prestigious international accolades, including the Caravaggio International Prize in Madrid, Athina balances a profound reverence for her roots with a forward-looking vision for global artistic dialogue. In this exclusive interview, we explore her creative philosophy, the structural role of light and shadow in her portraiture, and her inspiring journey as a prominent member of the Global Talent Confederation.
Athina, you are an award-winning realist artist from Athens. Could you discuss your main artistic concept? What specific "positive message" do you aim to convey to the world through your art?
I am a Greek realist artist based in Athens, Greece. I work with graphite pencils, colored pencils, pastels, and aquarelle. The concept of my art is to pass a positive message for this world and for a better world. I want to touch people with my art and travel them to see the beauties that this world has, giving people hope for a better, more peaceful world and for a better quality of life without the stress of modern people. Art is always a way of expressing myself and passing the message that in these difficult years we can achieve more as individuals and as nations, if we truly believe in ourselves.
You work with graphite and colored pencils, soft pastels, and watercolors. What determines your choice of material for a specific piece, and do you have a "favorite" medium for expressing your ideas?
I work from photos. I always take a photo of the subject that catches my attention, and then I decide which medium is the best to use to have the best result for my painting. If my photo is black and white, I will use graphite pencils. If my photo is a colored photo, I will think and decide which medium and which paper are the best to use to have the best result for my painting. I want my art to be as realistic as I can make it, and the colors to be clear and very vibrant. The main subject is also important to my decision on the choice of material that I will use. I always choose expensive and professional colors to create my paintings. I want these to have endurance over time.
In a previous interview, you mentioned drawing inspiration from Greek culture, traditions, and mythology. How does Greek heritage influence your work and the choice of subjects, and how do you "convey the spirit" of Greece in your paintings?
Greek heritage is an inseparable part of my identity and naturally influences my artistic vision. Through my choice of subjects, I explore everyday life, traditions, mythology, and the timeless beauty of Greece. Rather than simply depicting Greek themes, I try to convey the emotions, memories, and human stories behind them, capturing the light, atmosphere, and soul that define the Greek spirit.
What specifically attracts you to portraiture? You've said that you look for "something unique" in every face. How do you approach the portrait creation process—from finding the right face to applying the final, realistic strokes?
The most important thing that attracts me to portraiture is that I love to express people’s true feelings, inner emotions, and expressions. I believe that the face is the mirror of the soul, and you can understand a lot about the character of every person through the face and through the eyes. Beautiful eyes catch other people’s attention and magnetize the crowd; the same happens with a very beautiful face. I always select faces which have something interesting in their personalities, or beautiful eyes that magnetize me and catch my attention, and beautiful faces. I like to create portraits of young people more, and not so much of elderly persons.
For you, everything in painting revolves around light and shadow. How do you utilize these elements in your realistic work to not merely copy a photograph, but to emphasize the model's character, emotions, and "soul"?
For me, light and shadow are not only tools for creating form and depth; they are a way to reveal the inner world of the subject. Through the careful balance of light and darkness, I try to capture not just a physical resemblance, but the character, emotions, and silent presence of the person.
In which international exhibitions, competitions, and other events have you participated over the past year? How has this experience influenced you as an artist, and has it helped you become more "open and receptive to new ideas in art"?
I participated in exhibitions in London and Athens: The Dalston Exhibition at The Factory (21-31 Shacklewell Ln, London, E8 2DA) One Day Showcase on November 29, 2025, and the Athens Digital Art Show Exhibition from November 3 to November 14, 2025. This experience makes me feel more responsible to the audiences who love my art and makes me offer them more qualitative art every time. Yes, of course, it has helped me become more open and receptive to new ideas in art.
You have been a member of the Global Talent Confederation project for over a year. What changes have occurred in your creative work during this time? What events have taken place? How has your vision for a career as a realist changed during this period?
The Global Talent Confederation opened doors for me to do things that I couldn’t do in the UK. A lot of times I tried in the past, before I was a member of the Global Talent Confederation, to do an exhibition in the UK or to see my art published in a UK art magazine, but the only things I found were closed doors. They told me a lot of times that it is necessary to have a professional business network so I can do jobs in the UK. The Global Talent Confederation helped me a lot by opening doors for me in the UK and gives me hope for a career in the UK, something that I have wanted for years now.
You are planning to realize a very personal project - a portrait of your mother, as a tribute. What significance does this work hold for you, and how are you preparing to create a portrait of a person who will forever remain in your heart?
This portrait sure is a very important portrait for me. My mother and I were very close from the day that I was born, very connected between us. After her death, we continue to be just as connected as we were; she is always in my dreams almost every night, she speaks to me, and we use to do things that we always used to do together when she lived. She lives inside me. She is close to me when I am sick and when I have problems; I always feel her presence. She never abandoned me, and death couldn’t separate us. I believe that we are not only body but also soul, and the soul lives on also after death. I am not ready yet to create her portrait. I don’t know when I will be ready to create this portrait because of all the memories and the emotions that live inside me. When I am ready, I will do this without doing any preparation and study as I always do for every portrait that I create, because, as I said, my mother lives inside me.
What moments in your career do you consider the most significant?
The most significant moments in my life were when I received the Caravaggio International Prize in Madrid, Spain, this May 2026; also when I received the El Greco Fine Arts Award in Barcelona, Spain, in September 2025; and when I received the Leonardo da Vinci Award in April 2023. The award ceremony took place in Milan, Italy, inside the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology. Finally, another significant moment was when I received the Grand Prize in the Portrait Category at the Golden Time Talent competition in January 2024. It was something that I really wasn’t expecting because the rivalry was very big. Yes, my paintings are very good and realistic, and they have won a lot of awards, but a lot of times, winning an art competition does not only depend on how good your work is, but also on how the juries judge your painting, if the subject of the painting appeals to the juries, and if the people like your painting or not. There are a lot of factors that determine the final result.
What specific goals, plans, and new artistic directions are you setting for yourself in the near future?
I want to give priority to my art to create more qualitative art. I want to be an innovator with fresh ideas that will change the art world; in this direction, I will work over the next years. I also want to have more opportunities for exhibitions in Greece, England, France, and Spain to connect with more audiences and let them learn more about my art and me.
