Interview with Annita Apostolidou Platis
Above: Portrait of artist Annita Apostolidou Platis whose work is featured in the EROS public and virtual exhibition
Annita Apostolidou Platis is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores cyclical transformations, mythology, and the passage of time. With a background in Haute Couture Design, she blends acrylics, ink, impasto, and digital collage to create vibrant, textured compositions that capture the dynamic interplay of femininity and history.
From an early age, she honed her artistic skills under the guidance of renowned painter Dimitris Kantopoulos, setting the foundation for a lifelong journey in the arts. Despite unexpected challenges, Annita’s passion for creativity led her to the world of fashion, where she continued to refine her artistic voice.
In this interview, we delve into her inspirations, techniques, and the stories woven into her work.
Interview
Your artistic journey began at a remarkably young age, with your first mentor recognizing your talent when you were just a child. How has that early start shaped your approach to art today?
Art has always been an intrinsic part of my existence—it was never just something I did, but something I was. My early years, guided by the wisdom of my first mentor, instilled in me a deep reverence for artistic discipline, form, and expression. That early encouragement gave me the confidence to explore beyond conventional methods, to view creation as an extension of my soul rather than a mere craft. It shaped my approach to art as an ongoing evolution, where curiosity and transformation are essential. Today, I embrace art as a dialogue between past and present, always seeking new ways to translate emotions into visual form.
You describe your work as exploring cyclical transformations, blending history, mythology, and nature. How do these themes intertwine in your EROS exhibition pieces?
Love and transformation are inseparable forces, shaping both nature and the human spirit. In EROS, my works reflect this delicate interplay, capturing not only the beauty of renewal but also the vulnerability inherent in metamorphosis. Just as spring unfurls its petals in an endless cycle of rebirth, so too does love—ever-changing, ever-evolving. Mythology and history serve as my compass, guiding the essence of each piece, weaving the past into the present through symbolic storytelling.
"Message" embodies the vibrant spirit of spring, where tulips—symbols of deep love and heartfelt communication—flourish amid a collage of vintage books. This fusion of nature’s blossoms with the enduring wisdom of literature speaks to the timeless conversation between love and knowledge, renewal and remembrance. The piece evokes the poetic exchange of emotions, as though the whispers of past lovers and scholars still linger within its delicate layers.
"Blaze" bursts forth with the fiery intensity of red poppies, capturing the passionate energy of love in full bloom. The interplay of flowers, birds, and delicate insects mirrors the dynamic dance of attraction and renewal, symbolizing the exhilaration of desire and the vitality of new beginnings. The piece pulses with life, embodying the untamed spirit of love’s transformative power.
"Regalia" embraces the majesty of the peony, a flower revered across cultures for its associations with love, honor, and prosperity. Layered with vintage elements and rich textures, this piece is a tribute to the regal essence of affection—a love that transcends time, deeply rooted in history and ritual. The lush reds and soft pinks of the blooms evoke celebrations of devotion, reminding us of love’s ability to flourish with grace and grandeur.
Each artwork in EROS serves as a bridge between past and present, a visual sonnet echoing the eternal cycle of passion, renewal, and rebirth. These pieces are not merely representations of nature’s beauty, but intimate reflections of the human heart—where love, like spring, is both fleeting and infinite.
Your background in Haute Couture Design adds a unique dimension to your art. How does fashion influence the way you create, particularly in terms of texture, form, and storytelling?
Haute Couture is more than design; it is a philosophy, where every stitch, fabric, and embellishment tells a story. That meticulous attention to detail continues to shape my artistic approach. I see texture not just as a visual element but as something felt, much like fabric against the skin. The layers in my compositions mimic the layering of textiles, where depth and movement create an immersive experience. Form, too, plays a crucial role—silhouettes in couture are designed to evoke emotion, just as the figures, surreal female portraits, and abstract elements in my art do. Fashion has taught me that storytelling is not confined to words; it can be woven into the very fabric of a visual narrative.
My time in the world of Haute Couture, particularly upon returning from Milan to Athens, was pivotal in refining my artistic vision. Under the guidance of an esteemed figure in Greek couture, I learned the artistry of balance—how structure and fluidity coexist to create something timeless. That experience instilled in me a sensitivity to composition, where every detail serves a purpose, and every piece carries a sense of elegance, drama, and movement. In my art, this translates to compositions that feel curated, where elements are meticulously arranged to create harmony, much like a couture garment tailored to perfection.
Having faced obstacles, such as your allergy to oil paints, you found new ways to express your creativity. How has overcoming these challenges influenced your artistic evolution?
Art, much like life, is an act of adaptation. My allergy to oil paints initially felt like a limitation, but it became an invitation to explore new mediums that resonated with my vision. Acrylics, with their vivid intensity, became my new language. Ink, with its fluid unpredictability, allowed me to embrace spontaneity. The impasto technique, reminiscent of sculpting fabric, introduced a tactile quality to my work, enriching its depth and movement. Each of these materials gave me new ways to express emotion and narrative, ensuring that my artistic voice remained unrestricted by limitations.
Yet beyond technique, this challenge also rekindled an artistic instinct rooted in my past—collage. From my earliest years, I instinctively assembled cutouts from fashion and art magazines, drawn to the interplay of form, texture, and meaning. This passion carried into my fashion studies, where my portfolio covers became canvases for layered visual storytelling. Over time, my love for collage evolved, seamlessly blending traditional methods with digital possibilities, allowing me to explore a new dimension of artistic composition.
Overcoming artistic limitations reinforced a fundamental truth: creativity is boundless. Obstacles do not hinder the artist; they refine them, pushing them toward innovation and deeper self-discovery. My journey across mediums—whether through acrylics, ink, impasto, or digital collage—has been a constant dialogue between past and present, tradition and transformation. Each technique is a reflection of my artistic evolution, a means of exploring the cyclical nature of renewal and reinvention that defines both art and life itself.
Your mentor once told you, “Even if not everyone loves your work, they will speak of your colors—your true magic.” How do you feel color plays a role in shaping your artistic identity, especially in the EROS collection?
Color is the lifeblood of my work. It is the silent storyteller, the unspoken emotion, the bridge between the viewer and the canvas. My palette is a testament to my artistic journey, blending warm and cool hues in a delicate symphony that breathes life into surreal figures. Some shy away from black, fearing its depth, yet I embrace it—transforming black canvases into luminous showcases, where colors emerge like jewels against the void. In contrast, my works on white canvas burst into cascades of color, reflecting a river of thoughts and unbridled imagination.
My mentor’s words have stayed with me, shaping my belief that colors transcend aesthetic appeal—they speak. In EROS, color becomes the language of love itself. Soft blush tones echo the tenderness of new beginnings, deep reds embody passion’s fire, while vivid burgundy and plum convey the tension and intensity that only love knows. Beige, honey, and golden hues whisper of nostalgia and warmth, like memories bathed in soft light. Every shade holds meaning, guiding the viewer through a journey of longing, intimacy, and transformation.
My colors are not just visual elements; they are emotions materialized.
What do you hope viewers take away from your work in EROS? Is there a particular emotion or reflection you want to inspire?
More than anything, I hope EROS invites viewers to feel—to immerse themselves in the delicate dance between light and shadow, to embrace love in all its forms—its beauty, its fragility, its power to transform. Love is never static; it is fluid, evolving, much like art itself. Whether it evokes nostalgia, longing, or serenity, my wish is that each person finds a personal connection within the pieces, a quiet moment where the artwork speaks directly to their soul.
Each piece embodies the essence of the season with love awakening—contrasting delicate pastels with vibrant scenes of renewal. Rebirth is mirrored in female figures enveloped in floral motifs, accompanied by butterflies symbolizing transformation, birds representing freedom, and bees evoking the persistence of love and creation. Their presence echoes the harmony of nature’s cycle—a dance of pollination, flight, and metamorphosis. Vintage objects weave a narrative of past merging with present, infusing each artwork with a sense of hope and possibility.
Just as spring breathes life into the earth after winter’s slumber, love, too, renews us—unfolding in delicate, ephemeral moments that shape who we become. Through EROS, I invite viewers to experience love’s transformative journey, to see its presence not only in art but in the quiet, unseen spaces of their own hearts.
"Message", Annita Apostolidou Platis
Mixed Media Digital Collage, High-quality Belgian linen canvas, acrylic colors, metallic pens
Want to learn more about the artist & their art? Want to purchase the artworks?
Contact the artist’s directly using the details below:
Website: www.annitaplatis.com
Instagram: @annita.apostolidou.platis
LinkedIn: Annita Apostolidou Platis
"Blaze", Annita Apostolidou Platis
Mixed Media Digital Collage, High-quality Belgian linen canvas, acrylic colors, metallic pens
"Regalia", Annita Apostolidou Platis
Mixed Media Digital Collage, High-quality Belgian linen canvas, acrylic colors, metallic pens