"Karagiozis the Neo-Greek" is the title of the exhibition by Mykonian painter and author Marina Petri, presented at the Museum of Visual Arts Heraklion from March 1 to March 21, 2025.

Marina Petri embarked on this artistic journey in 1999, and each piece is unique—because Karagiozis is multifaceted and inimitable.

Art critic Bia Papadopoulou describes the essence of these works:

“Marina Petri… becomes a multifaceted Karagiozis puppeteer herself, pulling the strings of this artistic game… Karagiozis the Neo-Greek is free and well-fed… he knows everything… craves attention… a victim of fashion and design, with a ‘European’ dependence… a would-be art collector with his favorite artists: the outcast Caravaggio, the sensual Balthus, the exotic Gauguin, the Mediterranean Picasso, Braque of Cubism, the explosive Pollock… He boldly infiltrates the works of Renaissance masters, the Fauvists, the Nabis, the Cubists, and the Expressionists… He also belongs to the West, whose civilization was born in Ancient Greece…”

She continues:

“The form of these works evolves in tandem with their concept… deliberately blending different writing styles and heterogeneous references… heavy frames become part of the artwork… Contrary to the rules dictated by the international art scene—which demands artists conform to the latest aesthetic trends—Petri lets herself communicate freely, both experientially and creatively… She honors Greek cultural tradition in her own way, as well as the views of the artists of the ‘30s generation… She celebrates the ‘Greek line’ in a unified result, without pretense.”

With the same theatrical intensity, the exhibition’s opening will feature a live performance, while the closing event will include a talk and video screening about the ancient history of Karagiozis and his intrusion into contemporary art, presented by the artist herself. Participating in the event are Heraklion-based artists:
🎭 Antonis Perantonakis (director and writer)
🎭 Andreas Tympakianakis (Karagiozis puppeteer)

📍 Location: 3 Nymfon Street, Poros, Heraklion, Crete
📞 Contact: +30 697 697 4000 | met.heraklion@gmail.com
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 18:00-20:00
📞 For more information: 6978064528