HYDRA, AN ARTIST’S ISLAND
ArtCinema Hydra invites our like-minded community to discover the vibrant talent of Hydra’s local artists and arrange studio visits that we promise will be unforgettable.
The famously car-free and boldly scenic island in the Argosaronic Gulf has emerged over the decades as a vibrant cultural hub for the arts, attracting a wealth of creatives.
Its ever-blossoming art scene, from deeply historical to edgily contemporary, is characterized by a unique synthesis of simplicity and profound creativity. This is fostered by a tranquil, authentic island environment and stunning natural light, that one immediately connects with upon arriving.
“Since the mid-20th century Hydra emerged as a haven for International Artists. It began attracting more painters, poets, and musicians, such as Leonard Cohen”
Hydra-based, French painter Tom Powell invited ArtCinema’s industry guests to visit he’s new home studio
Carved wood sculpture by David Irlam
David Irlam, Jacqueline Savidge, Dimitro Fousekis & Amanda Palmer
Just some of the renowned figures who have worked on or visited the island include Leonard Cohen, George Johnston, Charmian Clift, Brice Marden, and notable Greek artists such as Michalis Oikonomou, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, Kostas Vizantios, and Panayiotis Tetsis, among others.
Since the mid-20th century that Hydra emerged as a haven for international artists. It began attracting more painters, poets, and musicians.
The vibrant contemporary art scene on the island is captured and reflected in the galleries and exhibition spaces (https://www.travel.gr/en/arts-and-culture-en/hydra-art-spaces-projects-not-to-miss-2024/) reinforcing its artistic legacy while promoting art.
Apollo Wind Spinner by Jeff Koons © Vassilis Karidis
The DESTE Foundation Project Space, housed in a former slaughterhouse, showcases major contemporary artworks, reflecting the island’s ongoing dialog with modern art trends. Similarly, artist Dimitris Andonitsis’ Hydra School Projects has transformed the old Hydra High School and arbitrary spots around the main town into innovative exhibition venues, where works by local and international artists are showcased.
MEET THE ARTISTS
JILL APPERT
At 20, Jill Appert left Australia in search of answers. Decades later, after having lived in London, Greece, and Bordeaux, she’s settled in Hydra. Her paintings are slow, deliberate works, often revisited and layered over time, as if waiting to surprise her. With no clear boundaries between portrait, landscape, still life, or abstract, each piece is an exploration of whether it feels complete or truthful. Appert believes that, while painting, she connects with something larger, though she's uncertain if that unites her work—or perhaps, it’s just part of the ongoing mystery.
“Her paintings are slow, deliberate works, often revisited and layered over time, as if waiting to surprise her”
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Email: jillappert@free.fr
Instagram: @jillappert
Tel: +30 2298 052641
ALEXIS AVERBUCK
“Alexis crossed the Pacific by sailboat, lived in Antarctica for a year, and paints, photographs and publishes books on her journeys”
Alexis Averbuck is a painter and writer. She earned her degree at Harvard University, and has travelled and lived all over the world, from Sri Lanka to Zanzibar. Alexis crossed the Pacific by sailboat, lived in Antarctica for a year, and paints, photographs and publishes books on her journeys for Lonely Planet travel guides, the BBC, international magazines and online platforms.
She exhibits her oil paintings and watercolors and holds creativity workshops. Alexis also promotes art, writing and responsible travel and adventure in video and on television.Through her travels, Alexis fell in love with Greece and made the island of Hydra her home.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Website: www.alexisaverbuck.com
Instagram: @alexisaverbuck
Email: info@alexisaverbuck.com
VITTORIA BERARDINONE
“Her unique pieces combine traditional Italian and Greek techniques with modern innovation, reflecting her deep connection to Mediterranean culture”
Italian ceramicist Vittoria Berardinone has been living and working in Hydra for over a decade. Her unique pieces combine traditional Italian and Greek techniques with modern innovation, reflecting her deep connection to Mediterranean culture. Each creation showcases her meticulous attention to detail and passion for craftsmanship.
From her island studio, the only one in Hydra with a kiln, she oversees the entire production process. This space has become a key destination for local artists and visitors, embodying her dedication to both heritage and contemporary design.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
E-mail: vittybera@gmail.com
Instagram: @potteryinhydra
Tel: +30 6939 623002
DIMITRIS FOUSEKIS
“Known for his academic illustrations, from paleontological publications to antiquities for the Athens Metro, he is also deeply influenced by Abstract Expressionism”
Born in Tripoli, Libya to Greek parents, artist Dimitris Fousekis is an illustrator, painter, and teacher based on Hydra. Known for his academic illustrations, from paleontological publications to antiquities for the Athens Metro, he is also deeply influenced by Abstract Expressionism.
Fluent in Greek, English, and Italian, his art workshops invite all ages to discover their creativity amidst Hydra’s natural and cultural beauty. His current focus on abstract landscapes reflects his evolving personal style, drawing inspiration from the works of Willem de Kooning, Cecily Brown, and others, as he reinterprets classical Greek themes with a modern sensibility.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Website: dimitrisfousekis.com
Email: dimifous@gmail.com
Tel: +30 6973 407276
MARY GLADSTONE
“Mary sailed professionally throughout the Aegean and beyond, always carrying a bag of painting equipment. Since 1998 she has lived and worked in Hydra and now concentrates on fibre art”
Mary Gladstone spent her childhood running wild in rural England; moved to Greece with a very young family in 1974; taught at St Catherine’s British Embassy school from 1981 until 1993 with main subject art.
In the following four years she sailed professionally throughout the Aegean and beyond, always carrying a bag of painting equipment. Since 1998 she has lived and worked in Hydra. She now concentrates on fibre art.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Tel: +30 6971 953212
Email: gladstoneme@gmail.com
GILBERT HALABY
“Renowned for blending art, fashion, and history, his boutique near the Pantheon serves as both a cultural salon and a creative hub”
Lebanese-Italian artist Gilbert Halaby, based in Rome, has always been deeply connected to the landscapes of his native Mount Lebanon. After studying archaeology in Beirut, Halaby moved to Rome, drawn to its allure, where he established his luxury Maison Halaby brand in 2010. Renowned for blending art, fashion, and history, his boutique near the Pantheon serves as both a cultural salon and a creative hub. Currently, Halaby is showcasing his latest work in Hydra, where his exhibition, The First Harvest, runs to November 15th, 2024, at the Hydra Museum Historical Archives.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Email: gilberthalaby@me.com
Tel: +30 2298 052355
ANDREAS HORSTMANN
“Initially recognized for his sculptures, his creative path has evolved to focus on abstract painting, experimenting with techniques like scraping and collage”
Self-taught artist Andreas Horstmann, born in 1956, has been living on Hydra since 2016. Initially recognized for his sculptures, his creative path has evolved to focus on abstract painting, experimenting with techniques like scraping and collage. His German-Greek heritage subtly influences his exploration of form and texture. Now an integral part of Hydra's artistic scene, Horstmann opens his studio by appointment, inviting visitors to discuss his evolving practice and connect through both solo and group exhibitions across the island.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Email: hydrandart@gmail.com
Instagram: @hydrandart
Tel: +30 6984 170257
MARIBE LAMBERT
“Maribe set foot on Greek soil for the first time in 1970 and fell in love with Hydra. The following year, from 1971 to 1973, she successfully ran children's painting workshops and exhibited her work in various exhibitions in Athens”
Maribé Lambert-Markouizos was born in Paris on September 16, 1947. She grew up in Toulouse, France. She attended the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts et des Arts Appliqués à l'Industrie de Bourges from 1964 to 1969.
Immediately after her studies, she set foot on Greek soil for the first time in 1970 and fell in love with Hydra the following year. From 1971 to 1973, she successfully ran children's painting workshops and exhibited her work in various exhibitions in Athens.
Between 1971 and 1974, she divided her time between Athens and Hydra.
She lived in Montreal, Canada, from 1974 to 1976 before returning to Hydra.
She has participated in numerous group exhibitions.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Tel: +30 6934 679739
TOM POWELL
“Originally trained in woodwork, he shifted his focus to painting, drawing inspiration from the light and landscapes of Greece”
Tom Powell (www.tompowell.com), born in France in 1987, moved to Hydra in 2008, reconnecting with his family’s artistic legacy on the island. Originally trained in woodwork, he shifted his focus to painting, drawing inspiration from the light and landscapes of Greece. Influenced by Greek masters Panayiotis Tetsis and Dimitris Gassoumis, Powell’s work balances abstraction and figuration. His oil paintings, along with drawings and mixed media pieces, capture the essence of Greek beauty through color and light, establishing him as a rising figure in contemporary art.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Website: www.tompowell.co
Email: tompowell12345@gmail.com
Instagram: @tom.powell
Tel: +30 6986 922232
ANGELA RAPPA
“Angela is interested in translating the Hydrian Culture through a romantic and expressive way of an islander’s lense”
Angela is interested in translating the Hydrian Culture through a romantic and expressive way of an islander’s lense. The fleeting moments that carry habits, tradition and colour are the ones that inspire her the most! For the past three years she has been working with acrylics for a playful outcome. My works are currently hosted at Mikra Agglia restaurant.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Website: https://www.angelarappa.com
Email: angelarappa@protonmail.com
Tel: +30 6983 616280
GEORGIOS PETROCHEILOS
“Georgios draws inspiration from the landscapes of Hydra, which are also the subjects of his works”
George Petrocheilos was born in Hydra in 1948. From his childhood, painting and sculpture were an innate means of expression. However, he did not have the opportunity to study, remaining a self-taught artist.
He pursued a professional career in the construction industry, where he incorporated his love for painting and sculpture. He was fortunate to meet the late artist Dimitrios Kasoumis, who encouraged him to work with oil paints on canvas, offering him invaluable advice. He has held four solo exhibitions (2010, 2011, 2016, 2024) as well as group exhibitions.
He draws inspiration from the landscapes of Hydra, which are also the subjects of his works. Today, he is retired and lives in Hydra with his wife of fifty years, Maria, along with their daughters and granddaughters.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Tel: +30 6943 065280
JACQUELINE SAVIDGE
“Deeply inspired by the island's natural beauty, Jacqui creates intuitive pieces that evoke Hydra's unique atmosphere in serene, timeless images”
Jacqueline Savidge, who settled on Hydra over 35 years ago, is a multimedia artist renowned for her distinctive silk textile works. Deeply inspired by the island's natural beauty, Jacqui creates intuitive pieces that evoke Hydra's unique atmosphere in serene, timeless images. Her work, which reflects her connection to nature, has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Found in private collections across Australia, the USA, Canada, the UAE, Chile, France, Britain, Germany, Greece, Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands, her art continues to resonate globally.
Studio Visits by Appointment Only:
Email: savidgejacqueline@gmail.com
Instagram: @jacqueline.savidge
Tel: +30 6942 534168