Fordham University in New York City will feature international artist Joni Zavitsanos’ work in a fall exhibit opening September 12 at 6pm titled “Distant Relatives: Ancient Imagery of the Classical Pagan Past and the Modern Byzantine Icons of Joni Zavitsanos.” Ms. Zavitsanos is the wife of National Council member John Zavitsanos, Esq., who was recently named the 2019 recipient of the Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship. All Archons are officially invited to the opening and a dinner with the Zavitsanos’. To RSVP for the dinner, please email lefkadagirl@gmail.com

Ms. Zavitsanos’ work will be featured at the Fordham Museum of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Art (441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458). Ms. Zavitsanos employs ancient and Byzantine motifs in her creation of uniquely contemporary art. Her work demonstrates how visual designs with roots in the distant past retain their relevance throughout time. She strives to use references to religious art from the 1st century to relate to a modern audience.

Ms. Zavitsanos’ extensive experience creating multimedia art reflecting a variety of cultures led to her exposure to Byzantine iconography, the earliest form of Christian art, which she uses to develop themes including the afterlife. The influence of her father (also an Archon) renowned Byzantine iconographer Diamantis Cassis, is also proudly visible in all her work. The artist notes that “the work allows me a connection with my father and my faith, bridging my life on earth with what mysteriously lies on the other side.”

The pieces from the artist’s private collection featured at the museum are: Contemplating Creation; Moses the Ethiopian; Make Love not War; Mary of Egypt; Weeping Icon, series II; Michael, Weeping Icon, series IV; We are all Saints; Melchizedek and The Annunciation.

Ms. Zavitsanos will offer lectures twice during the exhibit which will run from September 12 through December 12, 2019.