Inauguration of the Group Art Exhibition: “WOMEN, the Power of Creation”

A large number of people from the artistic and political scene of Thessaloniki attended a special event at the Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA), on the occasion of the opening of the group art exhibition titled “WOMEN, the Power of Creation,” on Friday, April 4, 2025.

The exhibition features original works by five contemporary Greek female artists — Eleni Theofylaktou, Maria Kombatsiari, Spyridoula Politi, Ioanna Terlidou, and Zefi Tiftiktsoglou — and is hosted in the Alexandros Chaitoglou Hall at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle until July 31, 2025.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Ambassador Eleni Vakali, Head of the Greek Liaison Office in Pristina, where the exhibition was first presented. She commended the IMMA administration for the Foundation’s outward-looking vision and foresight in promoting, through art, the history and cultural wealth of Macedonia throughout the Balkans. She also praised the artists for the diversity and distinctiveness of their works.

The Director of IMMA, Ms. Athina Pavlidou, welcomed the audience, highlighting the social role of the Foundation, its responsibility, and its desire to address contemporary human issues through its activities. She emphasized that this exhibition sheds light on women’s struggles and contributions through the ages, expressed through contemporary Greek artistic creation.

The curator of the exhibition, Professor at the University of Macedonia (PAMAK) and Director of KEMIT at IMMA, Ms. Stavroula Mavrogeni, thanked Ms. Vakali for their constructive collaboration and, in her speech, highlighted how the dynamic journey of women toward emancipation is powerfully depicted in the artworks. She also noted the traditional and innovative means of expression, such as weaving, crafts, and collage.

The audience had the opportunity to converse with the artists and tour their works, engaging in a creative dialogue centered on the woman as a symbol and image, exploring personal and collective memory along her journey while also emphasizing the modern role of women in 21st-century society.

The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Giannis Papageorgiou, Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office in Thessaloniki; Ms. Theodora Leipsistinou, Deputy Mayor of Child Welfare, Family, and Civil Society, representing the Mayor of Thessaloniki; Archimandrite Methodios Alexiou, representing His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki; Captain Dimitrios Patsikas, Commander of NASVE; Lt. Colonel Aikaterini Petkou, representing the General Commander of the C’ Army Corps; Colonel Athanasios Papathanasiou, Director of the Thessaloniki War Museum; Mr. Thanos Begkas, President of the Development Organization of the Central Macedonia Region; the Consul General of France and Director of the French Institute of Thessaloniki, Mr. Jean-Luc Lavaud; the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Thessaloniki, Mr. Sarkis Dagkazian; Mr. Lambros Kaoudis, Vice President of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Eleni Bintsi, Acting Head of LEMTH; Ms. Dora Taka, Vice President of the UNESCO Center for Women and Peace in the Balkans; Mr. Athanasios Michailidis, CEO of the Cultural Center of the Central Macedonia Region; Ms. Stivi Siozopoulou, President of the Lions Club “Hypatia”; Mr. Nikos Koukis, President of the Friends of the European Cultural Center of Delphi Association; members of the “Friends of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle” Association; and many friends and associates of IMMA.

In May, a Parallel Program of Activities will also begin in the context of the exhibition!