Exhibition “WOMEN. Greek Female Artists in Conversation through Time”

67 pieces by 53 female artists

The exhibition “WOMEN. Greek Female Artists in Conversation through Time” features 67 representative works by 53 Greek female artists.

The first artistic steps in the 19th century

For centuries, women's involvement in art was mostly on an amateur level. Things began to change in the last quarter of the 19th century, when the first women were admitted to the previously male-dominated Athens School of Fine Arts.

Having received professional artistic training, female artists soon claimed a place in the public arena. In the following decades, they didn’t hesitate to experiment with new media and techniques, while securing significant positions in leading artistic institutions and education.

Modern challenges

The new millennium brought about new challenges for female artists, who were called upon to take on multiple and often conflicting roles. However, they never stopped experimenting. Women painters crossed over from representation to abstraction, printmakers started using new media alongside traditional techniques, while other artists turned to sculpture and installations, contributing greatly to their shaping and evolution.

Today, with the rapid advancement of technology, female artists constantly seek new forms of expression, leading to the rejuvenation and enrichment of artistic language, as well as the creation of original works with various techniques and themes.

A bridge between past and present

In a time when the topic of gender equality figures prominently in public discourse, the exhibition takes on special importance.

It is not limited to a historical retrospective, but serves as a bridge between past and present, so the public can follow the journey, struggles and gradual establishment of women in the field of arts.

• The first artistic steps

The first Greek female painters, such as Eleni Prosalenti and Thalia Flora-Karavia, claimed their place in a male-dominated environment and paved the way for the generations that followed.

• Presence in contemporary art

During the 20th century, many artists, including Charikleia Alexandridou-Stefanopoulou, Ira Economidou, Vaso Katraki, and later on, Opy Zouni, Vana Xenou and Chryssa Romanou, made use of abstract forms, new techniques and materials, and expanded the boundaries of artistic expression.

• 2nd feminist movement

During the 1960s and 1970s, the 2nd feminist movement and the contact with international art movements played a part in shaping new approaches.

Artists such as Chryssa, Nella Golanda, Rena Papaspyrou and Nausica Pastra expanded the artistic arena with works that connect art with architecture, sculpture and space.

• Experimentation with media

The next generations, including Maria Giannakaki, Irini Gonou, Leda Papaconstantinou and Vicky Tsalamata, experimented more with media and combined techniques, materials and ideas.

• Present day

In our time, female artists use digital technologies, multimedia and installations to explore themes related to identity, gender, social justice and the environment.

Artists such as Marianna Strapatsakis, Venia Bechraki, Efi Spyrou and Natassa Poulantza represent the new dynamic voice of the Greek art scene, promoting the discourse on the position of women in modern societies.

Cooperation on the contribution of female artists

The Alpha Bank Art Collection, playing an active role in promoting culture and art, presents a selection of pieces created by female artists. At the same time, the Contemporary Art Museum of Crete places emphasis on modern dialogue, by showcasing the work of younger female artists, who express the concerns, challenges and ideas of our time.

The exhibition in Rethymno is an important venture, bringing together different times and artistic styles, and highlighting women’s contribution in shaping art and the 21st century society.

Curators and contributors

• Coordination: Dr Dimitra Tsangari
• Scientific supervision: Maria Marangou, Dr Despina Tsourgianni, Georgia Mazi
• Museological design: Chara Marantidou, mulo creative lab
• Administrative and organisational support: Katerina Kougioumoutzi, Eleni Kakouri
• Digital prints: Nikos Karampasis
• Digital application – Infokiosk: Tool Digital Agency
• Design of exhibition catalogue: Thymios Presvytis, Peak Design

The exhibition is accompanied by the Alpha Bank publication WOMEN. Greek Female Artists in Conversation through Time – Exhibition catalogue: Rethymno 2025.

The publication has a wealth of photographic material and is available in Greek and English. It was edited by Dr Despina Tsourgianni and Georgia Mazi.

At the same time, a larger Publication titled Women. Greek Female Artists in the Alpha Bank Collection, which includes all 145 Greek female artists represented in the Alpha Bank Art Collection, is also available. It was also edited by Dr Despina Tsourgianni and Georgia Mazi.