On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.,
the group art exhibition “ALEXIMON”
will open at Andie Art Gallery (17 Farantaton Street, Athens).

The exhibition is being held for charitable purposes.
Part of the proceeds will be donated
to support the humanitarian work
of the Lions Club of Athens Kifissia.

 

The word “aleximon” (ἀλέξιμον) is an ancient Greek noun meaning a means of protection and salvation, a shield, a remedy, or a source of support.
Etymologically, it derives from the verb “alexo” (ἀλέξω), meaning to avert danger, to protect, and to help.

Lions Clubs International is the largest volunteer humanitarian organization in the world.
Founded in the United States in 1917, it provides social and charitable services in more than 200 countries.
Lions Clubs have been active in Greece and Cyprus for more than 65 years, focusing on key areas of action:

• Supporting people with visual impairments and preventing blindness, following the appeal made by Helen Keller in 1925.

• Social assistance, including support following natural disasters and assistance to local communities.

• Health and the Environment, through health-prevention programs and environmental initiatives.

Local Lions Clubs provide medical supplies and assistance to vulnerable groups.
The art exhibition “ALEXIMON” aims to raise social awareness and highlight feelings of support, empowerment, and mutual assistance.
Our concern is to awaken awareness, reject complacency, move beyond the ego, and embrace the presence of “we.”

The thematic concept of the exhibition is aligned with the humanitarian work of the Lions Club of Athens Kifissia.
The portrayal of faces evokes familiar, beloved, and cherished individuals who live and enjoy a peaceful and tranquil everyday life—people who could easily be one of us, someone just like us, and who might unexpectedly find themselves in need of help, solidarity, and support.
We are all vulnerable, and nothing in life can be taken for granted.

The faces portrayed reveal the human identity, psychology, and personality of each individual.
Regardless of gender, age, social class, clothing, or public recognition, they are all human beings sharing common anxieties, existential concerns, and the fundamental need to survive.
A union of artistic disciplines, featuring painting, sculpture, ceramics, handcrafted creations, jewelry, and functional objects by 52 participating artists, invites us into a visual dialogue with those portrayed, evoking memories and thoughts of empathy.
The presence of the human face is an invitation—and a call to take initiative—in acts of care, protection, and giving.

In the richness of the Greek language, there are many synonymous words conveying identical, corresponding, or related meanings, while also expanding upon the concepts of giving and compassion:
Charity, solidarity, humanitarian aid, altruism, generosity, liberality, donation, volunteerism, compassion, benevolence, philanthropy, communal service, open-handedness, generosity, contribution, charitable giving, and fellowship.

The benefits of giving to society include social cohesion, through the creation of bonds of trust, as well as emotional well-being, both for the giver and the recipient.
Every act of generosity toward our fellow human beings and society as a whole is an expression of love and selflessness, revealing a wealth of spirit.
Every initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of our fellow human beings is worthy of recognition and praise.
Volunteerism, personal responsibility, and collective effort are a duty toward society, embodying values of enduring importance and significance.

As early as Homer, the important role of hospitality is emphasized.
Zeus was regarded as the divine protector of the vulnerable and of hospitality toward all.
In ancient Greece, the word “philanthropy” was introduced by Aeschylus and appears in Prometheus Bound, expressing love and care for humanity. Socrates, likewise, invoked this concept.
The city-states provided extensive public welfare for both local populations and travelers, offering a wide range of forms of assistance.
The “Suppers of Hecate” provided daily care for those in need, distributing food at crossroads.
Social welfare continued naturally throughout the Byzantine era, later evolving during the Age of Enlightenment through the values of Humanism, with an emphasis on respect, dignity, and the improvement of human life.

Throughout history, prominent figures, scholars, writers and thinkers, religious leaders, as well as timeless popular wisdom, have expressed the value and profound meaning of giving and offering to others.

Regardless of your values, principles, and beliefs,

take a moment to reflect…
“And we ourselves feel that what we are doing
is just a drop in the ocean.
But the ocean would be smaller
if that drop were missing.”
— Mother Teresa
 

Annita Patsouraki
Art Historian

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