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MATAROA AWARDS 2025 | Visual Arts
5 Years, Over 450 Portfolios, 50 Emerging Artists in the Annual Exhibition, 15+ Awards… and We Keep Going!
With the awarding, for the fifth consecutive time, of the honorary titles MATAROA AWARDS, the 2025 MATAROA Awards | Visual Arts process was concluded on Saturday, May 17. This initiative was born from the collaboration between the Cultural Society and Art Thessaloniki – International Contemporary Art Fair, as part of the MATAROA project, aiming at promoting contemporary artistic creation in Greece.
This year’s open call attracted over 70 creators, whose proposals were evaluated by the reviewing committee. Ten artists were selected and given the opportunity to present their work during the 8th Art-Thessaloniki Fair.
The list of MATAROA Awards finalists – which this year was supported by Giorgos and Zoi Papageorgiou – includes, in addition to the award winners: Stefanos Zafeiriou, Lily Zoumbouli, Eirini Karamanli, Giorgos Nathenas, Eleftheria Prophetilioti, Evridiki Soulioti, and Georgi Yanchev, each of whom received €500 for their participation.
The awards were presented by Mr. Iason Fotilas, Deputy Minister of Culture, Mr. Stavros Andreadis, President of the Cultural Society, and Ms. Zoi Papageorgiou, Board Member of the Cultural Society.
The 1st Prize at this year’s MATAROA AWARDS (€1,500) was awarded to Marios Leandros Basteas, who spoke about the awards, saying: “In the vast yet pulsating world of the arts through which we navigate, certain signs—sometimes small, sometimes more prominent—reveal to us that the fruits of our efforts are taking root and still blooming. MATAROA is one of those signs. For me, it’s also a calling back to where it all began.” Marios Leandros Basteas’ work explores neurology, perception, and biogeomorphology, creating spaces that challenge viewers to confront their vulnerabilities and reflect. A sense of discomfort lies at the core of his practice and research, often symbolized through the image of the fly.
A special mention (€700) was awarded to artist Dimitra Konstantinidi, who described her work as follows: “I appropriate traditional weaving techniques to create artistic content that explores notions of identity, society, and the state. The act of documenting personal experiences through embroidery is, above all, a form of diary—an act of resistance against oblivion.” She also commented on the awards: “The MATAROA Awards provide meaningful support to the new generation of artists, offering an opportunity for exposure as well as a space for interaction and networking through a well-organized institution. For every emerging artist, this support is invaluable.”
Maria Tsesmeli also received a special mention (€700) for her work, about which she stated: “Current events serve as the starting point for my themes. Destruction and loss—whether natural or not—become reference points for reflecting on the individual’s place in society. Crucial inquiries and long-standing questions concerning individual and collective identity evolve into universal concerns about human nature.” Regarding the awards, she added: “The MATAROA Awards offer a valuable opportunity for young artists to showcase their work, connect with the broader artistic community, and find new stimuli for their creative practice. This institution not only recognizes contemporary Greek art but also strengthens the dialogue around it, offering participants the chance to become part of a dynamic cultural ecosystem.”
MEET THE ARTISTS
EVALUATION COMMITTEE
George Skabardonis, MATAROA Publishing Consultant
Yannis Fokas, Visual Artist, Professor Emeritus of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Dimitris Xonoglou, Visual Artist
Sania Papa, Art Historian, Lecturer of the Department of Art History, Visual Arts & Applied Arts, Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki
Giorgos Mylonas, Art Historian
INFORMATION
The MATAROA project is a platform for Greek artists and modern culture in Greece. An initiative undertaken by the Cultural Society of Entrepreneurs of Northern Greece aiming to promote contemporary artistic creation and cultural activity in Greece. MATAROA project is anchored on two pillars: the website and the awards bestowed to young artists.
Art-Thessaloniki International Contemporary Fair has established itself as the most prominent art event in the Southeast part of Europe. Besides its commercial aspect, as it gives the floor to some of the most high-profile galleries from Greece and abroad, Art-Thessaloniki International Contemporary Fair is to a large extent dedicated to culture, hosting exhibitions and taking up projects of high prestige. Mr. Pantelis Tsatsis, the Fair’s founder and artistic director, is the man behind this endeavor, which is held in collaboration with TIF-HELEXPO, at pavilions 8, 9 & 10.