Stella Chaviaropoulou, also known by her creative aliases “Tethys ART” and “Stella CaviART,” embodies a profound artistic journey defined by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to humanity. Guided by her personal motto, “Per aspera ad astra”—Through hardships to the stars—Stella’s life and work transcend personal struggles, embracing a vision that bridges cultural, artistic, and human connections across borders.
Born in Istanbul and raised in Thessaloniki, her formative years were steeped in the rich cultural tapestries of the Bosphorus, Imvros, and the Aegean Sea. These landscapes, along with her studies in California, USA, deeply influenced her artistic sensibilities. Stella’s soul, as she describes it, “embraces people of all colors, religions, and ethnicities,” reflecting a universal compassion that permeates her art and poetry.
Her artistic endeavors are driven by an exploration of the Mediterranean, the microcosm, and the essence of love. She not only paints and writes but also actively promotes cultural dialogues through organizing and curating art and cultural exhibitions. Her exhibitions often blend various forms of art, reflecting her dedication to fostering friendship and peace among nations.
Stella’s creative palette is as diverse as the surfaces she paints upon—whether it be traditional canvases, human bodies (semi-permanent body painting), shoes, walls, or objects. Her unique approach has garnered significant recognition, starting from her first award, bestowed by the student communities of the 9th High School of Thessaloniki. As a high school senior in the USA, she earned a scholarship to the prestigious San Francisco Art School. Although she did not complete the program, this marked a pivotal moment in her artistic career.
Her talent has been recognized globally, winning awards in online competitions and earning a place in the permanent exhibition of the Caravaggio Museum in Sicily. Stella has organized numerous solo exhibitions in Greece, frequently uniting poetry with painting, and she has participated in over 300 group exhibitions across the world, including prestigious Biennales in Venice, Murgia, Bologna, Shanghai, Vienna, and more. Her influence extends to teaching, having inspired both children and adults in institutions and schools, including Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Since 2012, Stella has played a pivotal role in promoting contemporary Greek artists abroad by organizing and curating international art exhibitions under the auspices of the UNESCO Club for Arts, Literature, and Sciences of Greece. Her work strives to forge cultural bonds and highlight the wealth of Greek heritage. Her creations can be found in embassies, municipalities, and private collections worldwide, with a particular emphasis on promoting cultural diplomacy through art.
Her contributions to poetry are equally noteworthy, with her first poetry collection, “Between Earth and Sky,” published in 2019. She was recognized as the only Greek poet at the Poetry Symposium of Samsun in 2015, cementing her role as an ambassador of Greek culture in the literary world. Stella’s poems are often included in group collections curated by the UNESCO Club, further underscoring her dedication to both arts and literature.
Stella’s personal journey has not been without challenges. She has faced multiple hardships, including two serious accidents and surgeries. However, her indomitable spirit and positive outlook have allowed her to continue her artistic pursuits, traveling the world and contributing to various cultural initiatives. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience, and she remains deeply grateful for the beauty found in life’s small moments.
An active member of various artistic groups and associations, Stella also serves as the cultural representative of Thessaloniki for the UNESCO Club for Arts, Literature, and Sciences of Greece. She is the exclusive representative of ARCHLove Magazine – ZET, collaborating with renowned Italian art historian Marica Petti. Love, friendship, humanity, and collectivity are the cornerstones of Stella’s life, which she tirelessly promotes through her art, poetry, and cultural advocacy.
Stella’s work, particularly through her project “MY CAVIAR WORLD,” symbolizes the evolutionary journey of humanity. Through this, she paints a vision of the world where art serves as a bridge, connecting people across cultures and generations. Whether through her art or her poetry, Stella’s message is clear: creativity is a means of overcoming hardship, fostering peace, and inspiring the next generation.
Her dedication to the ideals of Greek heritage, her passion for promoting friendship and peace through art, and her relentless pursuit of beauty in the world make Stella Chaviaropoulou a beacon of hope and inspiration in the global artistic community. As she continues to travel, create, and share her message, Stella remains a tireless advocate for the power of art to heal, transform, and unite.
In her own words, “Children, science, and art are my hopes,” and through her unwavering commitment, she ensures that the legacy of creativity and humanity will continue to thrive.
