NEW YORK – Despina Konstantinides’ “When We Lie Awake” opened at the Consulate General of Greece in New York on May 8. The art exhibition which includes 17 paintings by the artist was well-attended and runs through May 22, 9 AM- 2:30 PM.

The artist told The National Herald that she has been working on the paintings in the exhibition for three years, adding that “It is a great honor for me to have an Exhibition at the Consulate General of Greece.”

She also told TNH that she has been working in the Fine Arts since the age of 9 and she earned an MFA in painting at Indiana University and a BA in Philosophy from Trinity College.

Konstantinides is the daughter of businessman Savas Konstantinides and his wife, Sofia. Her mother noted that Despina’s contact with Fine Arts began when she was a child.

“During her childhood, we did not want her to waste her free time watching TV. That’s why we chose a school where her talent eventually emerged. Of course, the artistic ‘vein’ existed in my husband’s family, since his sister is also an artist, but not with oil on canvas but with pencil,” explained Mrs. Konstantinides.

Konstantine Koutras, the Consul General of Greece in New York, expressed his admiration for Konstantinides’ works. He noted that he discovered her talent and works at another event.

“This is the Exhibition of a new artist, a young lady who has done brilliant studies, whose work I first saw in a catalog, quite randomly, last year. As soon as I saw this work, it really spoke to me and I told my colleagues that this exhibition should be organized at the Consulate. I think that this artist, although she is Greek, is connected and intertwined with New York,” said Koutras.

At the same time, the Consul General noted the planning and diversity of the Consulate’s events, adding that the agenda is full even for 2019.

The opening of the exhibition was also attended by, among many others, Nancy Papaioannou- Atlantic Bank President, Ioannis Bouboukis- Director of the Greek Press Office, Evangeline Douris HANAC President, and musician Pericles Kanaris.

The opening of Despina Konstantinides’ art exhibition, When We Lie Awake, at the Consulate General in New York. Photo by Costas Bej

Artist Despina Konstantinides and Konstantine Koutras, the Consul General of Greece in New York at the opening of the exhibition, When We Lie Awake, at the Consulate General in New York. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

The opening of the exhibition, When We Lie Awake, at the Consulate General in New York. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)

The opening of the exhibition, When We Lie Awake, at the Consulate General in New York. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)