IOANNA EFTHIMIOU

www.ioannaefthimiou.gr

I was born in Perth, Australia to Greek parents, so my first images were from the sea; the beautiful landscapes, as well as from TV screen images of a young Queen Elizabeth II, having a very lovable face for Australians, as well as for my mother who admired her a lot.

I returned to Athens, Greece with my family after a 45 day long trip on a large ocean liner. We passed through the largest ports in the world with last destination in the port of Piraeus in Greece.

Since then, my life has always been in constant motion but I think that’s how an artist’s life should be!

I finished my school years in Athens, and then I passed in the National School of Fine Arts.

I finished the painting department, continuing my art studies in painting and design in New York and London.

After numerous exhibitions in Greece and abroad, I stayed for an extended time due to work in London in previous years, but my base was always Athens, Greece with my family.

Since 201, I lived mostly in Athens, Greece, Monaco and Monte Carlo

Who, or what, inspired you to start painting?

I ‘ve always been fascinated by great Artists like Picasso and Dali - both for their work and for the life they led.

From a young age, I believed that all artists stood out for their personality and life. They are the ones who, through their works, praised life and especially things that the common man cannot comprehend.

How did you become a Royal Artist?

In 2010, and after a long time of hard work and effort, my biggest dream come true. A huge exhibition in London of Her Majesty’s most significant portraits from all of Her life and under Her own permission entitled: “All The Portraits of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II”

I will never forget the visit of Her grandsons William & Harry, and their impression in front of my paintings. I was completely impressed!

After London came Monaco and then another great and very honorable exhibition - the unforgettable Princess Grace of Monaco, with very significant portraits from Her lifetime. This all led me to London in 2017 to be awarded the honorable title of International Royal Artist.

Tell us a bit about Interna- tional Action Art.

International Action Art is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 It aims to preserve, rescue, disseminate and protect traditional and modern culture - free exchange and circulation of cultural information and ideas. It organizes initiatives and programs encouraging cultural development, and the promotion of peace, friendship and mutual cooperation, social solidarity of equality and the rights of women and understanding among people who serve the cultural development of their country.

International Action is a global art community with representatives in all countries of the world.

The General and Global President and founder is Mr. Ioannis Maronitis.

Me, I have the great honor to be the President of International Action Art in Monaco, and I am looking forward to present our latest work projects on this - hopefully after the Covid virus subsides globally.

One of this is Maria Callas Gala and awards MONACO, 1st Edition.

Can you give us a few details about the Maria Callas Monaco Gala?

Maria Callas Gala and Awards

MONACO is a tribute, which is a high-standard event to the Greek origin and unforgettable Opera Soprano Maria Callas. We are trying to revive the myth of the first legendary Gala was held in Monaco 60 years ago under the auspices and presence of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco.

It will be presented it under the auspices of the Greek Community of Monaco.

We were scheduled to present it from April 2020 but as the Covid virus still exists, we must move it to 2021. We plan to have the even in the beginning of May 2021 at the Salle Empire of Hotel de Paris - aiming to become an Institution to present it every year in Monaco.

The Gala will consist of a unique Opera concert by famous International artists like Elena Kuszheleva and Roman Lopatynskyi. And, an awards ceremony for distinguished persons of different areas, such as arts, sports and social offers.

Also, there will be an art exhibition of a very well-known art gallery in Monaco. Followed by jewelry presentation of the unique artwork of the famous Greek designer Xaris Apergi, and also an elegant fashion show showcasing executive designer brands under the sounds of the Opera.

My acquaintances with Prince Albert, as well as with local art galleries, were truly fortunate collaborations and amazing factors for me to stay in Monaco and work there for long periods of time until today.

After all, Monaco and Southern France are the places where the most important artists lived and created