Gallerist Christina Androulidaki on Art and Athens

What do you do?

I am a gallerist and art advisor.

I help individuals and institutions to discover and acquire meaningful pieces and I curate exhibitions.

About the Art Scene in Athens

• Sum up the Athens art scene in 3 words

Vibrant, dynamic and exciting.

Advice for a first-time collector?

Trust your instincts but do your research. Buy what you love, but make sure you understand what you are buying. Have confidence and consider supporting emerging artists.

• What hangs on your walls?

A mix of contemporary pieces from both established and emerging artists that reflect my personal taste and connections I’ve built with the art community.

Photography by Nelly’s, Nikos Markou and Alexis Vasilikos. Works on paper by Dimitris Condos, Marianna Ignataki, Maro Fasouli’s woven sculpture, and a beautiful Nightsky by Lefteris Tapas.

• What is a current favourite piece you own

It’s a tough choice, but right now, I’m particularly fond of a bold oil painting of a woman by Celia Daskopoulou from the ’80s. It has an energy that I find captivating every day. Its energy draws you in and seems to gaze into your soul.

• And if you could own anything, what would it be?

If I could own anything, it would probably be a piece by Louise Bourgeois or a monumental work by Cy Twombly. Both artists have an emotional depth and timeless quality that I find inspiring.

About Athens:

 Your favourite thing about Athens. And your worst thing about Athens.

What I love about Athens is its electric energy (that includes the people) —it’s a lively mix of creativity, art, culture, music, and food. Every day in this city brings a delightful surprise; I rarely experience a dull day here!

The worst thing about Athens is the prevalence of drug-related issues and trafficking, which can overshadow the city’s beauty and make navigating certain areas in the center quite challenging.

Can you describe a quintessentially Athenian sight, sound and smell?

A quintessentially Athenian sight is the Acropolis, standing majestically above the city. The sound of cafés and lively conversations and the smell of bitter orange trees in spring.

What has surprised you about Athens as a city?

I’ve been surprised by how deeply rooted the sense of hospitality and community is here, when you least expect it. Despite being a bustling metropolis, there’s a warmth and connection among people that makes it feel welcoming and intimate.

What changes (especially in the past ten years) have particularly moved you?

In the past ten years, I’ve been inspired by individuals like Dimitris Daskalopoulos (of NEON) and Dakis Joannou (of DESTE) and their significant investments in enriching the cultural landscape. Their efforts have fostered a strong sense of community and support for contemporary art and have truly made Athens and Hydra vibrant international contemporary art destinations.

Your Athenian picks:

A perfect evening out would be:

A perfect evening out would start with with a visit to a museum or an art gallery, followed by a stroll around Thisseio and Plaka, ending with a nice dinner at a cozy wine bar – at 7 Martyres, Warehouse Exarcheia or Wine is Fine.

Your ideal Sunday afternoon:

My ideal Sunday afternoon revolves around good friends, a leisurely stroll along the seaside or a picnic on Philopappou Hill, and capping it off at the stadium cheering on Kallithea FC!

City’s best kept secret?

The city’s best-kept secret is definitely the hidden eateries around Omonoia. But I won’t reveal the secret unless you come to CAN gallery for a hint!

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