The historical “Parnassos Literary Society” in central Athens hosts the exhibition “Theraic Rituals”, opening to the public on December 5, 2025. Through her research-driven artistic vision, visual artist Artemis Chatzigiannaki presents a compelling exploration of Santorini’s ancestral spirit, offering visitors a fresh perspective on the island’s hidden but vibrant cultural roots.
Watercolour by Artemis Chatzigiannaki, “Theraic Rituals” exhibition.
Chatzigiannaki’s exhibition features fifteen new watercolor works, woven into a historical narrative that reflects the island’s ritual cycles, traditional occupations, local economy, customs, and collective memory.
Visitors will recognize aspects of Santorini that survive not only in oral histories and memories but also in the island’s landscape, ancient soil, horizon lines, viticulture, agricultural products, flora, seasonal cycles, and architecture—revealing flashes of authenticity and primordial wisdom beneath the island’s stereotypical image.
Watercolour by Artemis Chatzigiannaki, “Theraic Rituals” exhibition.
In addition to the new works, the exhibition presents four earlier pieces inspired by the frescoes of the prehistoric Akrotiri settlement, depicting humanity’s ancient dependence on nature and ritual cycles, with scenes of flora, fauna, and mythical creatures.
Supporting Exhibits and Educational Programs
The exhibition is accompanied by a photographic collection from architect Kostas Chatzigiannakis, capturing Santorini in 1972, as well as collectible objects from the Industrial Tomato Museum “D. Nomikos” and the oenological laboratory of winemaker Maria Tzitzi.
A 2026 bilingual (Greek-English) art calendar titled “Santorini” is also released alongside the exhibition, featuring twelve of Chatzigiannaki’s works, a foreword by Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos, and texts by Nikos Vatopoulos, Lefteris Zorzos, and Nina Georgiadou.
Throughout the exhibition, parallel events, guided tours, and educational programs will provide further context to the “Theraic Rituals,” deepening visitors’ engagement with Santorini’s culture and traditions.
The main accompanying event will take place on December 14, 2025, at 18:30 in the historic hall of the Parnassos Literary Society. The discussion, moderated by architect Nina Georgiadou, will feature journalist and author Nikos Vatopoulos and psychiatrist-psychotherapist Dimitris Georgiadis, exploring Santorini’s many faces across time, the connection between tradition and the future, and the role of rituals in everyday life. The 2026 art calendar will also be presented during this event.
Info
The exhibition opens December 5, 2025 at 19:00, curated by archaeologist Lefteris Zorzos and architect Nina Georgiadou, with co-curation by writer and journalist Nikos Vatopoulos. It remains open to the public with free admission until 17 January.
Organized under the auspices of the Municipality of Thira, the exhibition is part of the initiative “Santorini 2025: Year of Highlighting and Supporting Authenticity.”
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday: 11:30–18:00
Saturday: 11:00–15:00
Closed: Sundays, and 24, 25, 26, 31 December; 1 and 6 January
Admission: Free
