I am Athanasia Iris, a Greek-born artist who has returned to live in the Netherlands after years in Greece. It’s often difficult to choose between these two worlds, each with its own artistic and cultural essence, so I’ve learned to carry both with me. Greece, with its depth of myth and tradition, and the Netherlands, with its openness to contemporary art, have both become the foundation and inspiration for my work.

My name, Athanasia, which in Greek means “immortal,” was given to me by tradition, passed down from my grandmother. Although she didn’t choose it herself, she embodied its spirit in the resilience and strength she showed throughout her life. She was like a mother to me, and her influence continues to shape who I am. Through my art, I seek to bring to life these “immortal echoes”—not just as nods to my heritage but as explorations of themes that resonate universally. I want my work to create a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern struggles, connecting human experience across time.

For me, art isn’t just a practice—it’s a way of life, a way to engage with the world and understand it on a deeper level. Art allows me to express ideas and emotions that often exist beyond words, capturing the intangible essence of life’s beauty, struggles, and transformations. In an interview with Athens Voice, I shared that I see art as a means to touch the divine, to explore the profound questions of human existence, and to remind us of our shared humanity.

In projects like Still Humans, I delve into the quiet yet overwhelming struggle of modern life, where many of us live detached from our essence, caught in the illusion of freedom. Through sculpture, painting, and mixed media, I strive to capture the timeless and the transient, the sacred and the mundane. Still Humans focuses on themes of isolation and conformity, highlighting how, even in our individuality, we often conform to a shared silent scream. My work in this series reflects the way we seem to have forgotten what it means to be truly human, to live with intent and depth. Yet, through each piece, I hope to evoke the longing for something more, the awareness of a life beyond the superficial.

In Immortal Echoes, I explore ancient stories that still resonate deeply today. This project includes works inspired by figures like Icarus, symbolizing the timeless human pursuit of knowledge and truth, as well as Medusa, a complex figure embodying resilience and transformation. These stories, transformed through art, speak to the universal struggles and ambitions we all face. Icarus embodies the risk and allure of seeking beyond known boundaries, while Medusa captures the journey from innocence to power—a story not just of mythology, but of reclaiming one’s narrative.

This blog will serve as a space to share these artistic explorations and reflections. Here, I’ll document the stories behind each creation, from the ancient myths that inspire me to the personal memories I weave into my art. I hope to offer glimpses of my world and the process of creation, where the personal meets the universal and where every piece is an invitation to connect.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, let’s explore the immortal stories waiting to be uncovered in each of us.