In the sun-drenched landscapes of Crete, where the Mediterranean light meets traditions, Polish artist Agapi has found a canvas rich with inspiration. With a background from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Agapi's creative journey took an unexpected turn when she embraced the vibrant culture of Greece, a land that, despite its distance from her Polish roots, felt like a natural homecoming.
In this interview with Portes Magazine, Agapi reflects on how the island’s unique light, colors, and folklore have profoundly influenced her artistic vision, prompting her to capture not only the timeless beauty of Greek traditions but also the everyday moments that form the fabric of human experience. Her work, which celebrates both the wisdom of age and the vitality of youth, invites us to reconsider the ordinary as extraordinary—offering a powerful reminder that art thrives where truth and emotion converge.
"Although we are born as a blank slate, we are shaped by the people we meet, because others shape us… I was captivated by the Greek light and the vibrant colors that are missing in Central Europe. The turquoise sea and the scented wind are unique to Greece. "
What inspires you to paint traditional Greek costumes and everyday life scenes?
I am drawn to explore themes related to clothing, which not only serve as a form of visual expression but also reflect a person’s connection to a particular group. I am also interested in the evolution of clothing, especially how certain elements are shared by different ethnic groups with common cultural roots, while others highlight the unique identities within those groups. These differences, I believe, reflect a desire to preserve social autonomy and individuality, which ultimately enriches a community rather than dividing it.
Folklore is a key part of cultural identity, shaping how we view the world through the perspective of a group. Despite the belief that we are all the same, the reality shows that we are different. And that’s something to celebrate. Our ethnic and cultural diversity gives us the chance to observe those differences, while also capturing what unites a particular group. It’s also important to note that each ethnic group holds its folklore in a unique, meaningful way. Tradition helps each generation carry forward the thread that connects them.
What brought you to Crete? How has life there influenced your artistic vision?
I am a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. When choosing the type of university where I studied, I was guided by my interests—a dialogue with the world and its interpretations, both historical and cultural. Although we are born as a blank slate, we are shaped by the people we meet, because others shape us. It's important to consider cause and effect, as without support from family, teachers, or even people without specialized knowledge, I wouldn't have been able to figure out what interests me or what I want to do with my life.
Every opinion helps me see things from a broader perspective and shapes my own interests. So, there's no simple answer to why I ended up in Crete—it’s part of a series of small moments that have shaped who I am as a person and an artist. Moving here and embracing Greek culture was initially exotic to me, as someone from Central Europe, even though I had some basic knowledge of the place.
In Poland, we say that to truly know someone, you need to "eat a barrel of salt" with them. In Greece, you need to "pour oil." Every journey enriches us, and every change of place gives us a new impulse, whether we notice it or not. I was captivated by the Greek light and the vibrant colors that are missing in Central Europe. The turquoise sea and the scented wind are unique to Greece.
" Can life ever truly be ‘ordinary?’ I don’t think so. Even the simplest moment is extraordinary in its uniqueness. I see everyday life and holiday moments as equally important; together they form a complete picture, with their emotions creating a dynamic expression."
What emotions or stories do you hope to convey through your portraits?
Human life itself is my main inspiration. Everyone experiences emotions—both joyful ones that bring relief and the more mundane emotions that arise from the daily struggles we all face. That's why, in addition to capturing my neighbors’ lives during holidays, I also portray them in their everyday routines. Can life ever truly be "ordinary?” I don’t think so. Even the simplest moment is extraordinary in its uniqueness. I see everyday life and holiday moments as equally important; together they form a complete picture, with their emotions creating a dynamic expression. What interests me most are sincere emotions, because art thrives on truth and freedom. I am also grateful for the opportunity to be part of these lives, and I enjoy portraying the people I paint.
What is your cultural background, and how does it connect with your love for Greek traditions?
I am Polish, raised in an intellectual family. My mother is a pharmacist and my father was an engineer. Both avid readers with a deep interest in Greek antiquity. They introduced me to figures like Homer, Socrates, Euripides and the broader Hellenistic culture. In the 1980s, I visited mainland Greece with my parents, and instantly, I felt at home among the Greeks. This connection grew from there. Both Poland and Greece have endured significant historical struggles—Greeks under Turkish rule and Poles under Russian occupation. Religion, folklore and language became vital forms of resistance, helping both nations preserve their identity and fuel their uprisings. This shared experience made it easy for me to feel a deep connection to Greek history, as I saw reflections of my own country’s past.
" Old age complements youth, creating a full story. I also admire the respect Greeks have for their elders. In this regard, they are unmatched."
What inspires you to portray both very old and very young people in your paintings?
Old age is simply a continuation of youth, and without both, my work would feel incomplete. Old age complements youth, creating a full story. I also admire the respect Greeks have for their elders. In this regard, they are unmatched, and I believe Poles could learn a lot from Greeks about how to honor and care for older people.
How do you choose which stories or figures from everyday life and/or mythology to capture in your art?
Your question already contains part of the answer: "everyday life" encompasses our myths, which teach us to understand good and evil through comparisons. But it also involves questioning reality, asking "why?" The answers we find help enrich the world with new perspectives. Being human is difficult, and even more so for those who don’t ask questions. While questions may complicate things, they also deepen our understanding. Choosing a path is always a personal decision. I am too curious to view life narrowly or without questioning. I am fascinated by humans because I am one myself—simply put.
What is your approach to capturing the emotions and authenticity of everyday moments?
Emotions are at the heart of human life—love, hatred, joy, sadness, anger and fear. I observe people in various situations—on the streets, at work, in cafes—and I’m constantly inspired by the everyday moments around me. I always carry a sketchbook to capture quick, impressionistic sketches of people talking or passing by, which help me capture the emotions of the moment. Transferring those emotions to the canvas can be challenging, as it requires empathy and a deep connection to the feelings of others. Painting people feels like an act of love for me, and I try to express these emotions with the right color, shape, and composition. Every moment deserves its own unique approach, whether it’s a storm or a moment of love.
View the collection at instagram.com/aga_picolors
WORDS | Portes Magazine
IMAGES | AGAPI