Stella Kapezanou’s figurative art underscores the modern lifestyle, which transitions from opulence to consumerism and decadence, often presented from a critical perspective.

The art of Stella Kapezanou delves into the intricacies of human existence. Her paintings are renowned for their portrayal of a cold intimacy, a paradoxical warmth found within the aloofness of modern life, brought to life through vibrant colors and the grand scale of her works. Through her art, she offers a poignant critique of contemporary lifestyles, navigating the nuances from consumerism to the excesses of opulence and decadence. Kapezanou’s subtle commentary is often lost on the complacent viewer, hidden in the casual exchanges between the superficial figures pictured in cheerful futility. Naked and semi-naked bodies are trapped in sulky or haughty gazes, underlining the ambiguous intentions that prevail in interpersonal relationships between the very wealthy. Her figures are often framed by landscapes reminiscent of wallpapers and surrounded by symbolic objects, mysterious animals, and elaborate elements, allowing the uncanny and the imaginary to act as an extension of reality. Alongside her paintings, Kapezanou also works in ceramic, producing objects that echo common motifs and aesthetics seen throughout her practice.

Stella Kapezanou (b. 1977, Athens, GR) received her MA Fine Arts from the Chelsea College of Arts, London, UK, in 2017, fully founded by a double scholarship from Motoroil Hellas and the Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship, and her MFA from the Athens School of Fine Arts, Athens, GR, where she received an award and an honorary scholarship from the State Scholarships Foundation for achieving first place in the entrance examinations in 2011. Kapezanou was awarded the Fulbright Artist Award 2024 for participation in the Santa Fe Art Institute’s International Thematic Residency Program in New Mexico, USA. She has exhibited work widely including Ross-Sutton Gallery, Venice, IT; The Opening Gallery, NY, USA; Studio West Gallery, London, UK; The Edit Gallery, Limassol, CY; Fougaro Artcenter, Nafplio, GR; Akaretler Gallery, Istanbul, TR; and Art Bermondsey Project Space, London, UK. Kapezanou’s work is in public and private collections including Deji Art Museum, Nanjing, China; Frissiras Museum, Athens, GR; Motor Oil Hellas Art Collection, Athens, GR and FKPCOLLECTION, Nafplio, GR. She lives and works in Athens, GR.