Dimitra Giannakakou-Razelou Mima: Sculpting Light and Narrative Through Oil Colors
Dimitra Giannakakou-Razelou, known professionally as Mima Razelou, emerged from Athens in 1981, establishing herself as a distinctive voice within contemporary Greek art. Her artistic journey began with formal training at the Athens School of Fine Arts (ASKT), where she honed her skills and conceptualized her groundbreaking approach – “sculpture of oil colors,” an ambitious exploration blending traditional painting techniques with innovative sculptural considerations. This singular vision propelled her postgraduate studies at ASKT, culminating in honors and solidifying her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Her formative years were profoundly shaped by mentorship under the celebrated sculptor Takis, during which she served as his student and private assistant. This immersive experience instilled a deep understanding of form, materiality, and conceptual rigor – elements that would permeate her subsequent work. Participating actively in group exhibitions across Europe since her early academic days showcased her talent and broadened her artistic horizons. Notably, her animation project “Narration of Life in the Universe,” presented on the façade of KPN’s Rotterdam building designed by Renzo Piano during her Erasmus program at Willem de Kooning Academie, demonstrated her ability to engage with complex themes through visual storytelling. This piece continues to resonate as a testament to her creative vision and artistic exploration. From 2009 to 2014, Mima dedicated herself to fostering creativity in young minds as an art teacher for a municipal cultural organization, nurturing the artistic sensibilities of children aged 5-11. Furthermore, she volunteered at Panhellenic Association of Families for Mental Health, utilizing her skills to offer therapeutic art classes – highlighting her compassionate engagement with social responsibility. Her pedagogical pursuits extended beyond formal education, encompassing private lessons aimed at cultivating artistic talent in aspiring students both domestically and internationally. Her artwork has garnered recognition through publications and exhibitions, cementing her position as a respected artist within the Greek art community. The enduring legacy of Mima Razelou lies not only in her distinctive artistic style but also in her unwavering dedication to artistic education and its transformative potential.- Early Life & Education: Dimitra Giannakakou-Razelou was born in Athens in 1981. She pursued her undergraduate studies at ASKT, earning honors with a thesis focused on “Sculpture of oil Colors.”
- Takis Influence: Her postgraduate studies were enriched by collaboration with the sculptor Takis, providing invaluable insight into sculptural principles.
- European Exhibitions & Erasmus Project: Since her academic beginnings, Mima participated in numerous European exhibitions and notably completed her Erasmus program at Willem de Kooning Academie, where “Narration of Life in the Universe” captivated audiences on KPN’s Rotterdam building façade.
- Teaching Experience: From 2009 to 2014, she served as an art teacher for a municipal organization and volunteered at Panhellenic Association of Families for Mental Health, demonstrating her commitment to artistic outreach.
- Solo Exhibitions & Recognition: Mima Razelou’s work has been showcased in solo exhibitions held in Athens and Hilton Hotel Athens. Her pieces are now part of private collections across Greece.
She founded “4Remedy” video art team, creating “Color Remedy” for Biennaly Mykonos 2015 with the theme “Antidote”. She collaborated with companies like Veuve Clicquot and Kraft Foods for advertising campaigns.
Her artistic vision centers around transforming oil paints into sculptural forms—a radical departure from conventional painting. This approach stems from a profound understanding of material properties and conceptual rigor, nurtured by her mentorship under Takis.
