Meet the Artist | Aimilios Metaxas
- Eleni Doulgeraki
- Mar 26
- 7 min read
We’re delighted to share this interview with artist Aimilios Metaxas. It was such a pleasure meeting Aimilios and exploring his artistic journey. What began as a childhood dream of working in animation grew into a deeply personal exploration of mythology, nature, and human emotion. His work is rich with intricate details, symbolism, and storytelling—reflecting both his Greek roots and his fascination with the natural world. Throughout our conversation, Aimilios opened up about the pivotal moments that shaped his path, his creative process, and his belief in art as a universal language that connects us all.
What inspired you to become an artist?
From a young age, I was very interested to be part of the animation industry creating characters for animated films. In high school, I was very fortunate to be mentored by an visual development artist who worked on many Disney Pixar movies, such as Inside Out, Big Hero 6, and wreck it ralph. That experience was invaluable and played a major role in shaping my artistic journey.
If you look at my current work, you’ll see a strong influence from my time in animation. However, over time, I realized that I craved creative freedom. I wanted to create what I truly liked rather than be bound by the constraints of working in animation studios. That’s one of the main reasons I shifted my focus to painting. Around that time, artists like Keith Haring and Takashi Murakami drew my interest and showed me that it was possible to blend animation-style storytelling with expressive, independent artistic work.
Can you share a moment or experience that shaped the direction of your work?
There were two major shifts in my artistic journey. The first was when I was completing my BA in Milan, Italy. My final piece was a five-meter-long drawing filled with characters. At that point, I was still focused on animation, but that was also when I discovered Keith Haring and Takashi Murakami. Their ability to bring art into everyday life amazed me—it wasn’t just something confined to the cinema, but something people could experience and live with. That realization made me reconsider my artistic path.
The second pivotal moment happened during COVID. I had a lot of time to read and explore different fields of study, such as philosophy, psychology, and even jewelry. I became fascinated by Peter Carl Fabergé, the jeweler famous for creating the imperial eggs for the Russian royal family. His playfulness and craftsmanship deeply inspired me. That period influenced my shift from animation to more decorative and intricate arts, where I could explore depth and ornamentation in my work.
Your work is heavily influenced by Greek mythology and symbolism. How has mythology shaped your artistic journey?
Growing up in Greece, you are always surrounded by history and mythology. You can walk down the street and see ancient ruins or hear myths that have been passed down for generations. I’ve always been fascinated by the Minoans, an early civilization that existed before the Greeks. Their art was colorful, stylized, and distinct, showing influences from Eastern cultures.
Mythology has always been a source of learning and inspiration for me. It’s deeply connected to philosophy, and I try to incorporate that wisdom into my art. Many times, I take mythological figures and reimagine them in my work. For example, I created a piece about Hypnos and Thanatos, the twin deities representing sleep and death, to explore those themes in a fresh way. That piece is now exhibited in a gallery in Hangzhou city, China.
Can you describe your creative process? Where do you typically draw inspiration from?
I usually work directly on the canvas without extensive preliminary sketches. My ideas are born spontaneously, and I see my painting process as a conversation between myself and the artwork. I let the painting guide me, responding to it intuitively. My work is deeply influenced by my emotions at the moment, so it’s a raw and natural process.
Even if I plan something, it rarely goes exactly as intended. Sometimes I go to the studio and just observe, allowing ideas to form organically. It’s about creating an environment where inspiration can flow naturally rather than forcing it.
Your pieces often feature intimate, repetitive details and fluid lines. What draws you to this style, and how does it contribute to your work?
During COVID, I developed a strong appreciation for jewelry and decorative arts. The intricate details and meticulous craftsmanship fascinated me. I love how details create a sense of depth, almost transporting the viewer into another world.
For me, repetitive patterns and intricate brushstrokes help evoke a sense of spirituality in my work. They make the pieces feel infinite, inviting viewers to engage with them on a deeper level, always allowing for something new to be discovered.
Are there recurring themes or key concepts in your work?
One recurring motif in my work is eyes. Growing up in Greece, I was surrounded by the “evil eye” symbol, which is deeply ingrained in our culture. However, for me, eyes go beyond just symbolism—they represent a gateway to the soul. When I interact with people, I focus on their eyes, as they reveal so much about a person. I try to capture that depth of expression in my art.
Another recurring theme is nature, the ocean and marine creatures. I grew up near the sea, and the ocean has always fascinated me. It’s one of the last places on Earth that remains largely unexplored, allowing for endless imagination. The sea in my work represents mystery, discovery, and the unknown.
Let’s discuss your works in the exhibition ‘’Wasteland to Wonderland: Art in The Age of Sustainability’’ Birds of Paradise and Narcissism. What inspired these pieces?
Birds of Paradise was inspired by the stunning flower of the same name and the exotic bird species. The central theme of the piece is humanity’s desire to own what is rare and beautiful—whether it’s a rare flower, a beautiful bird, or even an admired person. It explores our relationship with nature and how, through our selfish desire to possess it, we sometimes could potentially end up protecting it.
Narcissism explores the destructive nature of narcissistic behavior. The flowers in the painting start to decay, symbolizing the way narcissism consumes both the individual and those around them. The tiny human figures in the artwork illustrate how a narcissist sees the world—where everyone else appears small and insignificant.
How do you explore the relationship between nature and human intervention in your work?
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how humans have taken over the planet. It feels like we are not just inhabitants but a force that dominates everything. I often wonder why we build so much when nature needs space too. I even have a fox that visits my home at night, and I leave eggs out for her. It’s a reminder that animals have less and less space because of us.
Through my work, I want to encourage people to reconnect with nature. When you love something, you want to protect it. That’s why I paint coral reefs and flowers—not just to make something visually appealing, but to inspire appreciation and conservation.
Can you share one of your favorite pieces and its story?
One of my favorite works is Coral Reef. It highlights the fragility of coral reefs and their importance to marine life. Corals are often seen as mere decoration, but they are living organisms that play a crucial role in the ecosystem. What I find to be even more interesting is how fragile and delicate they are. For even the smallest change of the climate can make them turn white as they approach death. Corals for me are a strong indicator and a reminder of our responsibility towards the environment and how even the smallest of changes can have dire impacts. This piece explores themes of protection, vulnerability, and the urgent need to preserve nature.
Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, had a deep respect for nature. Mythology often portrays nature as a guiding force. However, in modern times, we’ve lost much of that connection due to urbanization. My work aims to remind people of our bond with nature and encourage a renewed appreciation for it.
What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have they influenced your journey?
One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from art school to the professional art world. After completing my MA I had to find my directions and navigate and understand the vast art world alone. It was a difficult adjustment, and I realized how important it is to find an audience that truly connects with my work.
Not everyone will like what you do, but authenticity is key. You can’t create art just to fit into trends—it has to come from a genuine place. The art world operates on networks and opportunities, but staying true to your vision is essential for long-term success.
Looking ahead, what are your future artistic goals? Are there any upcoming projects or themes you’re excited to explore?
I have a very exciting exhibition coming up in Athens with Insistrum at T.A.F\ the art foundation, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m also fortunate to be part of the San Francisco art fair, and next month, I have a group exhibition with Lian gallery in China. It’s incredible because these exhibitions are happening in three of my favorite countries—Greece, the U.S., and China—which feels almost surreal.
As for my future goals, I just want to continue doing what I love—creating art, exploring the world, meeting new people, and sharing my passion with them. I find it fascinating how art transcends language barriers. For example, I have a growing audience on social media in China, and it's been amazing to see how people there engage with my work, exchanging ideas and cultural perspectives. I love the idea of bringing different cultures together through art—where words might fail, but art speaks universally.
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All photographs copyrights belong to the artist Aimilios Metaxas
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