How will artificial intelligence, ecological evolution, and the changing relationship with employment shape the world of work in the next decade? The four simultaneous transformations we are experiencing today are historically unprecedented in both intensity and scale.
These are the catalytic questions that Muriel Pénicaud, former French Minister of Labour and Ambassador, will address in a special lecture on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Hellenic American Union in Athens.
Co-organized with IOBE and moderated by Nikos Vettas, the lecture marks the opening of the fifth event in the “Applied Hellenic-French Dialogues” initiative, offering insights relevant to employees, students, freelancers, retirees, and job seekers alike.
Immediately following the lecture, the exhibition “Matrix of Worlds” will be inaugurated at the Hatzikyriakos-Gkikas Gallery. Curated by Dr. Tatiana Spinari, the exhibition showcases Pénicaud’s artistic eye through photographs inspired by her extensive professional and personal travels.
The Dancer, [La danseuse], Aude, France, 2022. / Muriel Penicaud
She explains: “Photography sharpens our gaze. It makes our relationship with the world more intense, dense, beautiful, astonishing. We share our dreams, our concerns, our stories, and our imaginations. Photography changes the way we see things. It is beautiful because it is accessible to everyone, simple in its expression, capable of capturing the essence of a moment and transforming it into a trace of eternity.”
Pénicaud’s approach, inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson, emphasizes authentic, unstaged imagery that allows viewers to construct their own narratives. From fluttering birds to human figures, ancient trees, and familiar or exotic landscapes, her work transforms light and shadow into carriers of meaning for the observer. Her photographs have been exhibited internationally, including in Paris, India, Senegal, Beijing, Tokyo, the United States, and Spain.
Man and Planet in Danger, [L’homme et la planète en danger], Mexico, 2014. / Muriel Penicaud
The evening will conclude with a cocktail reception, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with Pénicaud.
The exhibition will run from September 17 to October 8, 2025, at the Hellenic American Union, Massalias 22, Athens, open Monday–Friday 12:00–20:00 and Saturday 10:00–14:00. Entry is free to the public.
1. Interlacings, [Entrelacs], Aude, France/ Muriel Penicaud.
