Vienna | December 12-26, 2025
Christmastime and New Year’s celebrations are over, and the remaining days of January are quickly passing by. We would like to inform our friends about artION‘s last activity of the year, its participation in the International Anniversary Iconographic Exhibition “With Eyes on the Light”. A spiritual and artistic gathering of high morals and aesthetics.
The International Anniversary Iconographic Exhibition “With Eyes on the Light” held in Vienna from December 12 to 26, 2025, was a great success, lasting 15 days (after a 5-day extension).
The guest book at the entrance to the exhibition
Twenty distinguished artists – iconographers and painters – combined their inspiration and artistry, offering the public unique moments of contemplation and inner uplift through their works (Ms. Aikaterini Balomenou, Ms. Christina Batzou, Ms. Irini Dalambira, Ms. Magda Dimoudi, Ms. Konstantina Farmaki, Ms. Dimitra Fotika, Mr. Konstantinos Giotakis, Ms. Goronova Niki, Ms. Kantinopoulou Alexandra, Ms. Koronaki Vanina, Mr. Ktistakis George, Mr. Lelekakis Nikos, Ms. Nasta Christina, Mr. Papaioannou Vasilis, Ms. Sakellari Maria – Stamatina, Mr. Ioannis Siovas (artION), Ms. Elena Stavrou, Ms. Nantia Stefanopoulou, Mr. Michail Tsapakis, and Mr. Panikos Hatzidakis).
The opening of the Iconography Exhibition took place at noon (3 p.m. Vienna time) on December 12, 2025, in an atmosphere of deep spirituality and artistic emotion.
The hagiographic works received warm impressions and sincere admiration from all those present, highlighting the power and timelessness of Byzantine art.
We were honored by the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of Cyprus, Mr. Andreas Ignatiou, the esteemed Consul of Greece, Ms. Iliana Andritsou, as well as the Professor of Byzantine Studies at the University of Vienna, Dr. Andreas Külzer, who expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the quality, depth, and spirituality of the exhibits.
The Ambassador of Cyprus in Vienna, Mr. Andreas Ignatiou, together with the artist Ms. Koronaki Vanina
The Consul of Greece in Vienna, Ms. Iliana Andritsou, together with the organizer of the exhibition, Ms. Farmaki Konstantina.
Dr. Andreas Külzer, Professor of Byzantine Studies at the University of Vienna, together with the exhibition organizer, Ms. Konstantina Farmaki, and the artists, Ms. Christina Nasta, Ms. Aikaterini Balomenou, and Mr. Ioannis Siovas (artION)
It was a particular pleasure to see such a large turnout of art lovers, who warmly embraced the exhibition and the artworks on display.
Visitors and artists (Ms. Aikaterini Balomenou) on the opening day.
Visitors had the opportunity to view hagiographies depicting scenes from the lives and martyrdoms of the saints, as well as artworks of social religious painting, mixed media sculpture, engravings, and Trash Art.
All the artworks were distinguished by their respect for the theological essence of the image, the quality of the materials, and the deep spirituality they exuded.
The artist, Mr. Vasilis Papaioannou, in front of his work “Christ of the Silk Factory”
As His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios pointed out, “The purpose of hagiography is not only representation but also the direct spiritual contact of the believer with the person depicted”. This view permeates the entire exhibition, transforming it into an experience that transcends the limits of a simple visual presentation.
His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios, together with a group of Hungarian graduate students accompanied by their professors
The artists who participated and came from nearby to enjoy this unique experience were: Mr. Konstantinos Giotakis, Ms. Christina Batzou, Ms. Aikaterini Balomenou, Ms. Maria Sakellari – Stamatina, Mr. Papaioannou Vasilis, Ms. Koronaki Vanina, Mr. Siovas Ioannis (artION), Ms. Dalampira Irini, and Ms. Nasta Christina.
Awards, commendations, and commemorative gifts were given to everyone, both those present and those absent, artists
The artist and participant in the exhibition, Mr. Ioannis Siovas, in front of his artwork from the artΙOΝ workshop, “Panagia Eleousa” (Our Lady of Mercy).
Alongside the exhibition, the competition for the Publikum Preis (Audience Award) was completed, which ran throughout the duration of the exhibition.
At the end of the exhibition, a total of three prizes were awarded:
First Prize from the Organizing Authority: The first prize, awarded by the organizing authority “KONSFARM ART ATELIER NÖ bei Konstantina Farmaki,” was awarded to Mr. Konstantinos Giotakis for his work “Saint Anthony Tormented by Demons”.
Second Prize – Künstlern vergebener Preis: The second prize, awarded by the participating artists present at the opening, was also awarded to Mr. Konstantinos Giotakis for his entire body of work on display.
Third Prize – Publikum Preis (Audience Award): The third prize was awarded, following a vote by visitors throughout the exhibition, to Mr. Ktistakis Giorgos, who was one vote ahead of Mr. Giotakis Konstantinos, with Ms. Fotika Dimitra coming in third.
It was particularly encouraging and rare that the remaining 17 participating artists also received significant recognition and positive acceptance from the public, confirming the high quality of the artworks on display and the high artistic level and prestige of the exhibition as a whole.
Ms. Konstantina Farmaki (Art Historian – Critic/KONSFARM ART ATELIER NÖ) would like to express her warm thanks to all the participating artists for their high-quality artwork and excellent cooperation, as well as to the art-loving public and visitors who, with their presence and participation, contributed decisively to the success of the exhibition.
She extended special thanks to His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios for his valuable support and contribution to the realization and success of the event.
Warm congratulations to the two distinguished artists, Mr. Konstantinos Giotakis and Mr. George Ktistakis, with best wishes for continued health, creativity, and artistic progress.
In closing, Ms. Konstantina Farmaki wished everyone a fruitful and creative continuation of our collaboration, as well as a new year full of health, inspiration, peace, and new artistic encounters.
We warmly thank the organizer, art historian, critic, and visual artist Ms. Konstantina Farmaki, and all those who honored us with their presence and shared this special artistic and spiritual experience with us.
The artΙOΝ art place, in turn, wishes you all a bright new year, with health, progress, and prosperity, both personal and collective.
artΙΟΝ‘s participation in the exhibition “Panagia Eleousa”
With respect,
