Nevronas - Greece
“Catch Me” Exhibition: The Story and Art of Neurodivergent Artist Nicholas Kontaxis Come to Greece for the First Time
The “Catch Me” exhibition at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation brings to Greece for the first time the work and story of Nicholas Kontaxis — a Greek-American artist of international acclaim and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Kontaxis has transformed the profound challenges of his life into an explosive artistic language, rich with strength, emotion, and optimism.
By Nevronas
Living with severe physical and developmental challenges, and having endured over 75,000 epileptic seizures, Nicholas Kontaxis uses art as his sole means of expression. Through his large-scale works, he shares a universal message of resilience and inspiration.
At the heart of the exhibition is his signature trampoline artwork — once a tool for physical therapy, now transformed into a vibrant canvas. It stands as a symbol of solidarity and renewal, inviting viewers to look at life with fresh perspective and courage.
As Fleurette Karadonti, Chair of the Board of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, emphasizes:
“The exhibition Catch Me once again highlights that art is a universal language.
Nicholas Kontaxis’s work transcends boundaries and limitations, speaking directly to the heart of the viewer.
This is not just a painting exhibition — it is an ode to courage, creativity, and the indomitable power of perseverance.”
Equally moving are the words of 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 refuge, hope, and a way of life.
Nicholas may not speak with words, but through his art, he expresses what words so often cannot.”
The “Catch Me” exhibition is accompanied by accessible initiatives and educational programs, organized in collaboration with the Nevronas team and Leonteios School of Nea Smyrni. These activities aim to enrich the visitor experience and highlight the importance of inclusion and empathy through art.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a detailed reconstruction of Nicholas’s original studio, and take part in hands-on workshops using materials and techniques inspired by his process — including spatulas, coffee, and spices — offering a truly immersive encounter with his art.
“Catch Me” is more than an exhibition — it is a powerful voice that merges art with life, delivering a universal message of acceptance, courage, and creative strength.