Marina Stavrakaki
Marina Stavrakaki is a Greek artist based in the Netherlands. Her art is inspired by the quest for authenticity and aims to spark conversation and self-reflection, as it often addresses themes connected to feminism, sexuality and mental health. She describes her work as a visual manifestation of her inner world while navigating life. Her paintings are characterized by the use of colour, contrast and visual texture as a means of expressing thoughts and emotions.
An artist odyssey
Marina is an emerging artist, born and raised in the vibrant city of Athens, Greece. From a young age, her talent for art was evident and frequently praised by her teachers. Despite her natural inclination towards creativity, Marina grew up during a time of economic crisis in a conservative environment, which led her to pursue a different path academically.
Nevertheless, her passion for art never waned. Marina continued to create tirelessly, her love for art serving as a constant companion through the years. Seeking new experiences and perspectives, she eventually moved to the Netherlands, embarking on a transformative adventure that sparked a profound spiritual awakening. This period of self-discovery allowed her to understand her true purpose in life, reaffirming her commitment to the artistic path she always felt destined to follow.
Marina's dedication led her to Milan Art Institute, where she honed her skills and graduated in June 2024. Even before completing her education, she achieved significant recognition as an emerging artist. Her artworks, known for their powerful, colorful, and bold nature, are a vivid manifestation of her inner journey. Each piece reflects her personal exploration of life, revealing her discoveries and the obstacles she has overcome.
Her artistic process is marked by creative freedom and exploration, incorporating text, diverse materials, and collage elements from her sketchbooks, which are filled with inspirations from her daily encounters. Her art is characterised by the use of colour, contrast and visual texture, as means of expressing emotions and experiences.
In the past year, she has sold over 15 original artworks, with her pieces being collected internationally, especially in the Netherlands, the U.S., and Greece. Her powerful and experimental portraits and statement abstract paintings have captivated audiences, notably during the Rotterdam Art Week 2024 at the Unity in Diversity Art Market.
Since March 2024, she has been an active member of the Wageningse professional artist platform, solidifying her presence in the local art scene. In April 2024, she participated in the Cultural Round of Wageningen, earning the encouragement prize for young talent from the jury. She also exhibited her work in a group exhibition at Museum Casteelse Poort for Cultural Round 2024 and had a solo exhibition at the Aurora Building of Wageningen University from May 15th to June 15th, 2024.
Marina's journey continues with upcoming exhibitions, including Montmartre aan de Rijn 2024 and Kunst in de Kerk in Wageningen in August 2024, as well as the Art and Science group exhibition in November 2024, a collaboration between Wageningen University and local artists. As she continues to explore and share her vision, she hopes her journey is a testament to the power of following one’s true calling despite all odds.
Currently, you will find her in her atelier working on a new collection: a series of mixed media paintings inspired by her experience living abroad and the journey of self-discovery.
Previous exhibitions
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2024
Unity in Diversity Art Fair, Rotterdam Art Week, February
Culturele Ronde open studios, Wageningen, April
Culturele Ronde group exhibition, Museum De Casteelse Poort, Wageningen, March-April
"Body/Image/Food" solo show at Aurora, Wageningen University, May-June
Kunst in de Kerk, Wageningen, August
Montmartre aan de Rijn, Wageningen, August
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2023
Unity in Diversity Art Fair, Rotterdam, June
Montmartre aan de Rijn, Wageningen, August