THREE ARTISTS get together to present their paintings and sculptures inspired by Japanese art, culture and tradition, at Thalia Gallery. The exhibition ‘Greece – Japan, Sacred Places and Symbols’, is curated by Louiza Karapidaki, and opens to the public on April 12, 7pm.

The three creators, Dina Anastasiadou, Polyxeni Samanidou, Clea Rappou, bring us the glamor and brilliance of Japanese art and introduce us to a magical world of high aesthetics.

Alongside her paintings, the artist Dina Anastasiadou also will also exhibit her ceramic sculptures of carp (koi) – the fish that live in the rivers and streams of Japan, and which are symbols of longevity and perseverance because they swim against the current of the river or of the waterfall when they are about to lay their eggs.

Polixeni Samanidou’s wildflowers and sparrows are painted on ‘washi’ paper, while her focus on wisteria is inspired by the flower’s symbolism in Japanese culture: of spring, Buddhism, humility and contemplation.

Clea Rappou focuses on Japanese architecture in her works, such as the Buddhist complex of Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto. Set in beautiful nature, her works on washi paper play with tonal variations and contrasts.

• ‘Greece – Japan, Sacred Places and Symbols’ runs April 12-27. Thalia Gallery is on 1 Metamorfoseos St, Alimos. Open Tues, Thurs, Fri, 13.00-20.00. Wed, 13.00-19.00; Sat, 12.00-16.00. Viewings by appointment only on Sun & Mon.

‘Art Scene Athens’ is written/run by artist/journalist Stella Sevastopoulos. Dedicated to presenting what is happening on the Greek art scene (but not only), and also to giving Greek artists an international voice on the internet. For more on Stella Sevastopoulos’s art, click here