Page 60 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2024

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
culture

G reece, a country of sunshine, blue seas,

passion, and resilience. Growing up in the
1980s, Caroline Rovithi fell in love with
“GREECE INSPIRES ME TO CREATE ICONIC everything that defines this vivid nation, a
SYMBOLS THAT BRIDGE THE PAST WITH devotion that inspired her art as an adult. Bold
colours, dominated by blue and white, bring
THE PRESENT AND SHOWCASE THE SPIRIT, her style to life, a kaleidoscope of Greek symbolism within
pop and street art on canvas or plexiglass. But her creative
VALUES, AND POWER OF HELLAS.” vision isn’t limited to paintings, illustrations, collages, and
three-dimensional work. Conceptual art books, unique gifts,
and private commissions add to the mediums through which
she gets to express her Greek spirit, keen and powerful.
From 20 July to 6 September 2023, Caroline marked another
step in an already illustrious career: “All you need is Greece
in NY”, a solo exhibition at the Opening Gallery in Tribeca,
New York. The Hellenic Initiative, backed by major organi-
zations like Greece in USA, the Ministry of Culture & Sports
and the Greek National Tourism Organisation, hosted a
pre-opening event on the 28th of June, featuring Caroline’s
artworks and an introduction to All You Need Is Greece, her
new publication by Key Books. Diaspora Greeks and friends
enjoyed an evening of Hellenic culture and artistry, part of
the proceeds of which went to Luv Michael, a non-profit
organization supporting adults living with autism.
Among Caroline’s exhibits was “HELLAS The power with-
in us”. It’s a short film entirely set on Mytikas, the highest
point of Mount Olympus, that envelops you in the allure
of free-spirited and nature-loving Greece. Beautiful aerial
shots transport you to the valleys and peaks of the moun-
tain of the Gods, while Caroline’s smooth voice guides you
through scenes and symbols that define Greece’s spirituality
and customs, helping you find HELLAS within you. This
video art is the sequel to Caroline’s “All you need is Greece.”
The original film explored the artist’s source of inspiration,
inviting you to think about what really births creative expres-
sion. Emotional wealth or turmoil? A need to heal the soul
and free yourself from restrictions? What drives Caroline
the most is a complete immersion in each piece, its colours,
meanings, and power to instil in the viewer the fierce but also
tranquil splendour of Greece. The film’s sunlit island lashed
by the waves of a magnificent ocean deepens the message.
These short films are great examples of the emotional and
thought-provoking journeys Caroline Rovithi takes her au-
dience on. Every piece in her portfolio, every exhibition she
offers, every challenging step she takes as a female artist has
a single purpose: to share her love of Greece with the world,
a country that has everything. But she’s not just promoting
the place, its attractions and traditions, her vision for 2024
branching into the country’s seafaring history. She wishes to
empower people with the ideas that make Greeks themselves
tough and soulful. That’s why her creations, from striking
paintings on plexiglass to amusingly surreal and often pro-
JULIE HASSETT SUTTON found pop art, have such an impact. Their Greekness – feisty, Each work of art uses bold colour, texture, and symbolism to express Caroline Rovithi’s

sassy, funny, defiant – is infectious. 
love of Greece and desire to share its empowering values.
Her second solo exhibition in the US is set for June 2024 and
intends to enchant Los Angeles next.
carolinerovithi.com

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