The art exhibition by Aristodimos Papadakis is co-organised by the Municipality of Heraklion – Municipal Art Gallery and the Region of Crete.

From the work “Matala” (1970), to “The Presentation of the Virgin Mary” (2023), and the “Houses in Crete” series, this exhibition – open to the public with free admission until Wednesday 26 November – captures the artist’s long and expressive journey, which has earned him both national and international recognition.

A lover of folk wisdom and Cretan traditions, Aristodimos has drawn inspiration from conversations with his teacher at the Athens School of Fine Arts, Nikos Nikolaou, and other artists at the "Dexamení" in Aegina, blending tradition with the vision of a classically trained painter.

In the exhibition catalogue, a text by the late Marina Lambraki-Plaka from 1978 is featured. It was originally written when Aristodimos received the Nikos Kazantzakis Award that same year. In it, she wrote — prophetically:

"The themes and visual language of Aristodimos Papadakis explain why his paintings blend so harmoniously with the walls, match the colours of lime and wood, and extend the lines of architecture. They decorate and soothe, but they are not innocent. They keep the mind awake, provoke reflection, and cultivate contemplation. They reveal the face of reality, raise warning signs, and offer the ancient remedy of creation.”

In the same catalogue, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Governor of Crete, writes:

“An artist who continues to surprise. A painter of endless inspiration, capable of delivering unique works every time. Aristodimos Papadakis blends Cretan tradition with contemporary art, offering pieces that stand out for their technical precision and aesthetic clarity. For the Region of Crete, his contribution is significant. His paintings form artistic bridges that carry the ancestral memory of Crete’s culture. Raised in Mesara, he became an ambassador of universal art — while also leaping into the future, engaging with, and often shaping, today’s imagery.”

Rena Papadaki-Skalidi, Deputy Mayor of Culture of the Municipality of Heraklion, notes:

“His many solo and group exhibitions in Greece and abroad, his educational activities, and the honorary Nikos Kazantzakis Award granted by the Municipality of Heraklion, confirm the steady and multi-dimensional presence he has in the visual arts. His work, deeply rooted in tradition but open to contemporary explorations, is a continuous journey between the local and the universal. I hope your visit to this vibrant, emotional exhibition brings aesthetic delight, sparks deeper reflection, and fosters a meaningful connection with the painter’s art.”

Exhibition Details
Artist: Aristodimos Papadakis
Exhibition Duration: Tuesday 21 October – Wednesday 26 November 2025
Opening Event: Tuesday 21 October at 19:00

Municipal Art Gallery of Heraklion – Basilica of St Mark
Lions Square, Heraklion
📞 +30 2813 909228
📧 artgallery@heraklion.gr

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 14:00
Sundays and public holidays: Closed

Free Admission

Co-organisers: Municipality of Heraklion – Municipal Art Gallery of Heraklion, Region of Crete

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