Featured - Interview by Human Stories
I was recently interviewed by Humanstories.gr and because the piece was published in Greek, I’m sharing an English translation below. You can find the original article here.
Ariadne Kritonos: A Greek Woman Turning Tradition into Contemporary Art
Ariadne Kritonos grew up in Athens, Greece. Since childhood she painted, created and played with colors, just like all children do—except she never stopped expressing herself through art. At the same time, her involvement in Greek traditional dance shaped her path, helping her — through personal experience — to understand Greek tradition on a deeper level. As she grew older, she went to London to study and today she lives and works in the United States, where she promotes Greek tradition and art in her own way.
“Art, in all its forms, was both a means of expression and a way to understand the world around me. I was also exposed to traditional dance from a very young age—a relationship that has truly defined me. There isn’t a part of my life that hasn’t been influenced by it. The dances, the costumes, the music made me fall deeply in love with Greek tradition and later led me to the work I do today, which is inspired by traditional motifs” Ariadne tells Humanstories.gr.
Traditional Dance and Motifs
“Dance taught me concepts like rhythm, balance, repetition and aesthetics—fundamental ideas for design and creativity in general.
But, the greatest gift, my involvement with Greek traditional dance gave me, was bringing me into contact with traditional design.
What moved me the most was discovering that the embroidery on traditional costumes isn’t merely decorative. When I realized these are motifs functioning as a kind of language. A language expressing the fears, desires and wishes of the women who embroidered them. I was deeply touched. These motifs carry universal human values and ideas.
I’ve been studying Greek traditional design for many years and present it through my artwork with my own contemporary lens.”
The “Obsession” with Scarves
In the United States, Ariadne developed an “obsession” with scarves — as a medium for presenting motifs of Greek folk art, following extensive personal research, study and archival work. It is part of her effort to combine quality, tradition and Greek identity.
“The idea for the silk scarves was essentially born in the US. I wanted to create something that combined tradition, quality and Greekness. I’ve designed many products in the past, but the scarves feel like they embody so many of my core values.
It was very important to me that they were produced in Greece, so I could support Greek craftsmanship. I also wanted them to be a product of exceptional quality and the silks of Soufli are internationally renowned for that.
Also, silk is deeply connected with Greek tradition, as traditional embroideries were stitched with silk threads that women used to make themselves.
And then a portion of my profits from the scarf sales is also donated to three nonprofit organizations dedicated to Greek tradition. Each design supports a different organization: Avlés, Branding Heritage and the Hellenic Performing Arts Foundation—three wonderful nonprofits engaged in preserving tradition, dance, music, art and research both in Greece and abroad.
Coming from the world of tradition, I know how hard it is to keep customs, dances and heritage alive. So I wanted each scarf to give something back to the community. It matters to me that what I create is not only beautiful, but carries continuity. You essentially become part of a story that keeps unfolding.
Through the scarves I manage to unite everything I love: art, giving back and Greek tradition” Ariadne explains.
Research and the Embroideries of 1697
Research is a fundamental part of Ariadne’s work. One of her most memorable experiences was visiting the archives of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where she saw up close the oldest dated piece of Greek embroidery, dated 1697 from Crete.
“What inspires me is that behind each motif lies a story and through my work I want to bring these stories back to light — to relearn how to recognize these patterns as easily as we recognize ancient Greek ones. They are part of our more recent history, a history many of us still carry memories of from our grandparents.”
“Boula and Genitsaros”: Another Beloved and Particularly Popular Design
“The Genitsaros and Boula motifs have been my most popular designs for years, especially as art prints, mugs and bags.
The response from non-Greeks is especially interesting. What they appreciate the most, I believe, is the depth of my work. That it isn’t just pretty designs—it carries culture, memory and research. It resonates with them, because they see that tradition speaks to universal, timeless values and by supporting my work they are essentially supporting the continuation of this tradition today.”
Returning to Greece
“The thought of returning to Greece moves me deeply. It’s a longing shared by most Greeks of the diaspora. Regardless of where I am though, Greece is always present in my work—in the designs, the motifs and the stories I tell.
I have very exciting collaborations coming up and I’m already working on new designs for 2026.
My main goal is to spark a more active dialogue about the value of Greek traditional design and to highlight its beauty in Greece and abroad” Ariadne concludes.
Explore a World of Art, Tradition and Stories – Meet Ariadne
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