Immortal Echoes bridges ancient mythologies with contemporary abstract expressionism, exploring how these timeless stories resonate with the existential questions of our time.
Through sculpture and painting, the project reimagines myths, inviting reflection on human ambition, curiosity and resilience.
Central to this collection is the sculpture series Icarus, in which Athanasia-Iris delves deeply into the essence of the myth, transcending surface interpretations to ask: Who was Icarus, truly? In her vision, the story of Icarus symbolizes the evolution and growth that each of us undergoes. It is not Icarus’s supposed fall that captivates her; rather, the essence lies in the flight itself, in humanity’s upward movement toward truth. Her Icarus sculptures embody the wings’ trace in the Aether, capturing both the motion and the lasting impression of this ascent.
Origins
The project also features Pandora, a powerful painting that serves as a visual interpretation of our current social condition. This piece reflects a reality shaped by the deliberately constructed chaos of the ruling class, aimed at mass-producing captives. Pandora captures the toxic forces of misinformation, ignorance and lack of meritocracy—plagues that afflict an otherwise modern society, contributing to an image of decay and stagnation. This painting is a call for awareness and awakening, inviting viewers to confront the state of society and question whether there remains room for resistance.
The Story of Ariadne, another key painting in the collection, reinterprets the tale of Ariadne, who guided Theseus through the labyrinth. It symbolizes intuition, wisdom and liberation through connection. The painting, depicting Ariadne’s thread, represents the power of choice and the support that helps us navigate life’s complexities, reminding us of the guidance and resilience found in connection.
Medusa
In Medusa, the artist transforms the mythological figure into a symbol of resilience and strength. Rather than focusing on her victimization, this artwork emphasizes Medusa’s power and defiance against her tragic fate.
These are just a few works within Immortal Echoes, which includes additional pieces that explore various aspects of myth and existence. The project is complemented by an upcoming book by Athanasia-Iris, Plato, Aeschylus, and Post Avant-Garde Art, which examines ancient Greek philosophy and drama, interweaving texts by Plato and Aeschylus with her own paintings. The book invites readers into a dialogue between classical thought and contemporary art, revealing how these ancient ideas continue to shape and challenge our perceptions today.
Together, Immortal Echoes and the accompanying book serve as a reawakening to mythic heritage, reminding us that the essence of these stories is alive, echoing within our own lives. As the project evolves, it will continue to reveal new layers of ancient wisdom and modern insight, sustaining a conversation between past and present.
