From Island To Metropolis: Art Exhibition By Denia Panagaki At This Is Loco

This is Loco, Athens' artistic brunch café with a global soul, proudly presents "From Island to Metropolis", an immersive exhibition by the multidisciplinary artist Denia Panagaki where flavors, creativity, and cultures converge.

"From Island to Metropolis" tells the story of three unusual companions, a mermaid, a rooster, and a prickly pear, each representing a unique aspect of the human experience as they transition from island life to the bustling metropolis. Through a masterful blend of marble and paper textures, enhanced by intricate carving techniques, Panagaki crafts a rich, symbolic narrative:

• The Mermaid – a deeply feminine figure, carved with salt-crusted memories, symbolizing the longing for the sea and the self.

• The Rooster – the resilient male figure, painted and carved as a symbol of ritual and survival in a fast-paced urban world.

• The Prickly Pear – rendered in abstract form, capturing the defiance, rootedness, and quiet endurance of nature amidst urban decay.

With a background that spans Business Administration, Economics, Advertising, and Fashion, Denia’s artistic journey has taken her from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil beaches of Bali, India, and beyond. Her work draws on these diverse influences, weaving together symbolic narratives, ancient traditions, and powerful reflections on feminine identity.

Opening Friday, May 16th, 2025, from 12:00 to 20:00, this exhibition invites you to explore a captivating journey from the serene shores of Tinos to the vibrant pulse of Athens. Through the tactile beauty of marble and paper, Denia’s pieces capture the tension between nature’s timelessness and the ever-changing rhythms of urban life.

"I want visitors to feel as though they are walking alongside these figures, moving through the hidden corners of the city and the echoes of the sea," says Panagaki. "It is a dialogue between tradition and modernity, between nature and the man-made world."

Join in daily from 9:00 to 20:00 until June 15th, and let Loco be your gateway to a world of art, culture, and connection.