"Agia Eleni" Painting

Eleni Papapetrou is originally an art historian and archeologist. Her artworks are mostly created during these last years. The portraits are created with painting techniques of the Macedonian school, copies of icons of the famous Manuel Panselinos the hagiographer of the 13 century, of mount Athos. Eleni's works are characterized by complete forms from which the spiritual and grandeur of the paintings are derived. The icons are expressed by realism and freedom of expression, tension, movement and rich colors in the face and clothing. Almost all of her portraits are given the right expressive significance by using particular colors and bright tones. There is no earthly light as all orthodox icons do not give shadow. Perspective is removed and the physical order of things is not respected Everything is bright and clear. Earthly space and time are removed. The image retains the historical elements and context of what it portrays but is not bound by it. Space and time are human sizes. Thus, Orthodox hagiography does not hesitate to free itself from the naturalistic conception of secular art. This reverse perspective indicates the secret depth of the image.