Athens Riviera Journal - Greece
“Catch Me”: The Story and Art of Nicholas Kontaxis Comes to Greece for the First Time.
An exhibition-tribute to the power of human will and inclusion.
By Athens Riviera Journal Newsroom
The exhibition “Catch Me” brings to Greece for the first time the work and story of Nicholas Kontaxis, an internationally recognized Greek-American artist and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, who has transformed the challenges of his life into an explosive artistic language full of strength, emotion, and optimism.
Nicholas, who lives with severe physical and developmental challenges and has experienced more than 75,000 epileptic seizures, uses art as his sole means of expression, creating large-scale works that convey a global message of resilience and inspiration.
At the heart of the exhibition stands the signature trampoline-piece, which transformed from a rehabilitation tool into a canvas, symbolizing solidarity and rebirth, inviting the audience to see life with fresh eyes and courage.
As Fleurette Karadonti, President of the Board of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, notes: “The Catch Me exhibition once again highlights that art is a universal language. The work of Nicholas Kontaxis transcends limits and boundaries, speaking directly to the heart of the viewer. It’s not just a painting exhibition—it’s an ode to courage, creativity, and the extraordinary 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 of sharing 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 cannot speak with words, but through his work, he says what words often fail to express.”
The “Catch Me” exhibition is accompanied by accessible activities and educational programs in collaboration with the Nevronas team and Leonteios School of Nea Smyrni, enhancing the visitor experience and highlighting the importance of inclusion and empathy through art.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a recreation of Nicholas’s original studio and participate in workshops using materials and techniques inspired by his work—such as spatulas, coffee, and spices—offering a unique, hands-on encounter with his art.
“Catch Me” is not just an exhibition—it is a powerful voice that connects art with life and delivers a universal message of acceptance, courage, and creative strength.