saint of athens reimagines byzantine iconography in mykonos

Within the grounds of Kalesma Hotel in Mykonos, a small chapel dedicated to Saint Demetrius offers an unexpected reinterpretation of Byzantine iconography. Conceived by Saint of Athens in collaboration with illustrator Gerasimos Hatzis, the interior replaces the colorful palette associated with Orthodox frescoes with a sequence of black-and-white wall paintings that narrate the Passion of Christ, exploring how one of Christianity’s oldest artistic traditions can be translated through a contemporary visual language rooted in its theological framework.

Designed by K-Studio with interiors by Studio Bonarchi, the chapel follows the restrained geometry of Cycladic religious architecture. Its whitewashed exterior, cubic volume, and minimal openings echo the private family chapels found across the Aegean islands. Inside, however, visitors encounter a markedly different atmosphere. Stretching across the walls like a continuous frieze, the frescoes preserve the frontal compositions and flattened spatial language characteristic of Byzantine art while introducing an entirely new graphic vocabulary.

all images by Gavriil Papadiotis

the passion of christ in monochrome

Working under the curation and art direction of the Athens-based creative agency Saint of Athens, illustrator Gerasimos Hatzis renders the Holy Week narrative exclusively in black and white. The decision aligns the imagery with the stark architectural palette of the island, shifting attention toward line and composition. Gold halos remain one of the few chromatic elements, preserving a symbolic connection to Orthodox iconographic tradition.

The strongest departure comes through the use of bold geometric motifs inspired by tribal art. Woven into the figures and architectural elements, these shapes introduce an unexpected graphic rhythm without overpowering the frescoes’ Byzantine composition. The composition feels unfamiliar yet surprisingly coherent, offering a contemporary reading of iconography that also preserves its spiritual character.

black-and-white frescoes wrap the interior of the Saint Demetrius Chapel

sound and spaces shape atmosphere inside kalesma chapel

The iconographic program grew from an idea by Kalesma co-owner Sophia Kusathana, who proposed centering the chapel on the story of Christ’s Passion during Holy Week. The frescoes took nearly a year to complete, wrapping continuously around the walls beneath a black wooden iconostasis that reinforces the chapel’s restrained palette and uninterrupted narrative.

The visuals are accompanied by a soundscape composed by Stephanos Giakoumakis that follows the progression of the Passion, adding another layer to the experience of moving through the chapel. In a space defined by minimal architecture and monochrome imagery, the sound heightens the atmosphere without distracting from the frescoes.

With the Kalesma Chapel, Saint of Athens reinterprets Byzantine iconography through a monochrome palette and bold geometric motifs. The frescoes remain rooted in Orthodox tradition while introducing a contemporary graphic expression.

the dark wooden iconostasis frames monochrome depictions of Orthodox saints