Growing up as a third-generation refugee has provided me with a complex perspective on the world. I have experienced first hand the intersection of personal identity and collective history, an intersection that has made me both gain and lose my perception of reality. Living in the often called ‘World’s Last Divided Capital’, where political and cultural boundaries persistently shape daily life, I have learned that the world is not always as it seems. As I reflect on my upbringing, I have come to realize that the societal pressures often pushed me to adopt beliefs that are formed by external influences rather than the truth I might have otherwise discovered on my own.

My work illustrates the experience of living in a city marked by division and the lasting scars of the frozen conflict. My curiosity has prompted me to explore my family’s history through archives. I begin to understand not only the personal experiences of my ancestors but also how deeply interwoven history, culture, politics, and heritage are in shaping an individual. Through these reflections, I have learned that our identities are not merely personal. They are born of the histories we inherit and the complex forces that continue to influence us.

In my work, I seek to explore the themes of history, culture, heritage, politics and sociology, with a focus on Cyprus. Through my art, I aim to illustrate the psychological impact of division. Families have been torn apart, communities have been displaced, and entire generations have grown up with memories of violence, loss, and fear. While my work is deeply rooted in the context of Cyprus, I am also concerned with broader implications on a global scale. The political status of Cyprus is not unique to this island. My work aims to provoke reflection, open-up dialogue, and challenge the status quo.