Nellie Laskari - Artist on Hydra Island Greece

Surpisingly Mrs E Laskari held her first solo exhibiton on Hydra at the Melina Mercouri Hall in July 2017. I say surprisingly because Mrs Laskari, "Nellie" as she is know as by her family and friends, has been painting since 1964. It's difficult to understand how she has kept such a talent so quiet! Her work is well known in her family circle; one of the paintings in her show is a portrait of Father I. Kalafatis (of Hydra), which he accepted as a gift from Mrs Laskari at the opening of her first show. Happily for those who enjoy art, her work is now exposed to a wider public audience to appreciate.


Inspired by her enduring love of Hydra, Mrs Laskari has been painting the scenery and architecture of the island she was born on for so many years. She has amassed a wonderful collection of memories that she shared publically for the first time in July 2017. (Long overdue in my opinion!)

Mrs Laskari has the enviable skill of being able to capture the ever changing light and colour of Hydra perfectly. Her work is a great favourite with Hydriots, and now visitors, who have such a fondness for the same beautiful places and scenes that she paints.

Many of Mrs Laskari's paintings feature the architecture of Hydra. Some of which were painted before the buildings were renovated, so she has built a historical record through paintings in lots of cases.

When I chatted to Mrs Laskari, with her daughter, during her exhibition I asked for a photo next to her favourite painting in the show. I was immediately drawn over to a large canvas showing a scene containing a sunhat and bag. Why this one, I asked. "Because this is one of my favourite countryside destinations when I go for a walk. I take my hat and some lunch to sit at this little chapel to be inspired by the beauty that surrounds me."

The love that Mrs Laskari has for Hydra shines out of her paintings and it was a pleasure to meet with her and to share her beautiful memories.

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