Alexandra Kaouki was born in Le Mans, France, in 1973 and studied at the French College Maupertuis – Saint Benoit until 1987. That same year, she moved permanently to Greece, settling in Agia Paraskevi, Attica, where she completed her education.
At the age of just 20, in 1993, she experienced a profound and blessed calling that led her to iconography, transforming her life forever. She began her journey in Athens, independently exploring traditional techniques, and later received guidance from the renowned iconographer Yannis Maravas, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for the value of Byzantine art.
Alexandra specializes in the demanding egg tempera technique of the Cretan School, which preserves the continuity of Byzantine heritage. Her works are characterized by the humble expressions of her figures and their luminous, subdued colors, faithfully capturing the features of the saints. In her fresco work, she follows the monumental technique, ensuring the spiritual vitality and timelessness of Byzantine tradition.
In 2005, Alexandra settled in Rethymno, Crete, where she began her professional artistic career. In 2007, she founded her first iconography studio in Atsipopoulo, Rethymno, and from 2013 to 2020, she operated an iconography workshop with ecclesiastical items, organizing seminars for students from around the world. Today, she works in her personal space in Prines, Rethymno, focusing exclusively on church murals and portable icons.
Her works have been showcased in numerous exhibitions, including the Pan-Cretan Exhibition in Rethymno, exhibitions of the Holy Metropolis of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, and the “Orthodoxia” Ecclesiastical Art Exhibition at Zappeion Hall in Athens. Her creations are part of private collections worldwide, with many recognizing the profound spirituality that her art exudes.
For Alexandra Kaouki, iconography is not merely a profession but a sacred vocation. Through her works, she strives to convey spirituality and faith, connecting people with tradition and the divine. Each of her creations is a testament to her inner spiritual journey and her unwavering dedication to Byzantine art.
