LiFO - Greece
"Catch Me": The Story and Art of Nicholas Kontaxis for the First Time in Greece
An exhibition-ode to the power of human will and inclusion, at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation.
By the LiFO Team
The “Catch Me” exhibition brings to Greece, for the very first time, the work and story of Nicholas Kontaxis — an internationally acclaimed Greek-American artist and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree — who has transformed the challenges of his life into a bold artistic language filled with power, emotion, and optimism.
Living with severe physical and developmental disabilities and having endured more than 75,000 epileptic seizures, Nicholas uses art as his sole means of expression, creating large-scale works that carry a universal message of resilience and inspiration.
At the heart of the exhibition stands his signature trampoline piece — once a tool for physical rehabilitation, now repurposed as a canvas. It symbolizes solidarity and new beginnings, inviting visitors to see life through a lens of courage and renewed perspective.
As Fleurette Karadonti, Chair of the Board of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, notes:
“The “Catch Me” exhibition is yet another powerful reminder that art is a universal language. Nicholas Kontaxis’ work transcends boundaries and limitations, speaking directly to the viewer’s heart. This is not merely an art show — it is a tribute to courage, creativity, and the unstoppable power of perseverance.”
Equally moving is the statement by the artist’s mother and representative, Krisann Kontaxis, who is in Athens for the exhibition: “’Catch Me’ is Nicholas’s dream to share his art with Greece, the land of his ancestors. It is our invitation to the public to join hands and discover how creativity can become a refuge, a source of hope, and a way of life. Nicholas may not speak with words, but through his art, he communicates what language often cannot express.”
The “Catch Me” exhibition is accompanied by inclusive activities and educational programs, developed in collaboration with the Nevronas team and the Leonteios School of Nea Smyrni, enriching the visitor experience and highlighting the vital role of inclusion and empathy through art.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a recreation of Nicholas’s original studio and take part in workshops using materials and techniques inspired by his work—such as spatulas, coffee, and spices—offering a unique, hands-on connection to his artistic world.
“Catch Me” is more than an exhibition — it is a powerful voice that brings art and life together, delivering a global message of acceptance, bravery, and creative strength.