Artist Summary

My work is largely shaped by Byzantine Iconography, the earliest form of Christian art. Under its influence, color schemes, figures, architectural edifices, historical events, and visual perspective all play an important role in each collaged piece I create. At the same time, influence of my father, renown Byzantine iconographer Diamantis Cassis, is also visible in all the work I’ve created throughout my life.

Drawing from these two streams of artistic and spiritual exposure, I strive to convey to the viewer a sense of the ancient past made present in today’s world. In this way, the iconographic images crafted centuries ago mesh with contemporary events and people, giving Byzantine art a feeling of relevance and continuity in our current lives. On a personal level, the work allows me a connection with my father and my Faith, bridging my life on earth with what mysteriously lies on the other side.

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Accomplishments

  • Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
    lecture on the Fordham museum exhibition in NYC, Hilton Hotel, 2019
  • Fordham University’s Museum of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Art, NYC solo
    exhibition and lecture series, “Distant Relatives: Ancient imagery of the Classical, 2019
    Pagan Past and the Modern Byzantine icons of Joni Zavitsanos”
  • European Art Magazine Nea Skepsi, cover art, article with personal interview, and several pieces featured, March 2018
  • Cover Art for book Honor & Gloria: Poetry of the Navigatio Sancti Brendani Abbatis, ascribed to St. Columba of Iona, edited by Sharon Pelphrey, 2012
  • Publication: Lefkoma, Artwork of Lefkada, Greece, 2010
  • Publication: European Printmakers, Athens, Greece, 2008
  • Michael Hobs, USA Ambassador, Ghana, Africa Collection for Embassy: 2 multi-media works, 1995
  • Art League of Houston, Juried Exhibition, William Graham, Graham Gallery, Houston, TX awarded 2nd place for Mixed Media work, 1992
  • Cover art for monthly publication of magazine Estia, 1986 – 1988 Exhibitions TBD

Exhibitions

  • 2020 Match Gallery, Houston, solo exhibition, “My Father’s Daughter”
  • 2019 Fordham University’s Museum of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Art in NYC,
    solo exhibition “Distant Relatives: Ancient Imagery of the Classical Pagan Past
    and the Modern Byzantine Icons of Joni Zavitsanos”
  • 2015 & 2016 Assistance League Celebrates Texas Art, juried
  • 2009, 2010, 2011 Hellenic Cultural Center Greek-American Art exhibitions
  • 2008 Cultural Center of Vonitsa, Greece
  • 2007 Cultural Arts Center Lefkada, Greece
  • 2003 AZA Law Firm
  • 1996 C.G. Jung Educational Center, solo show
  • 1995 Women’s Caucus for the Arts/Cultural Arts Council of Houston
  • 1994 St. Edward’s University
  • 1994 Wierzbowski Gallery (2 showings)
  • 1991 & 1993 Art League of Houston
  • 1990 & 1993 LaStrada Restaurant, Houston
  • 1992 Art Con Corazon Gallery
  • 1991 & 1992 Jan Yates Gallery, solo shows
  • 1991 Cultural Arts Center, Lefkas, Greece, solo show
  • 1991 Icons Gallery of Art, solo show
  • 1989, 1990 & 1991 Lawndale ARt & Performance Center
  • 1990 Blaffer Gallery, University of Houston campus
  • 1990 Lowman Gallery, Sam Houston State University
  • 1989 & 1990 Butera’s Cafe
  • 1990 Club Proteus
  • 1989 River Cafe
  • 1987 Munchies Cafe, Ouisie’s Table & Bon Appetito Restaurant