As I shared in my previous blog post, the 6th Panhellenic Wood Sculpture Symposium “Epi Xylou” took place in Gournes, Crete, from September 19 to 25.
Artists from Greece, Cyprus, and Italy worked for a full week in the small forest next to the Town Hall, creating wooden sculptures inspired by the life and philosophy of Nikos Kazantzakis. The symposium was open to the public, allowing visitors and students to watch the creative process up close.
Now that the works have been completed and presented at the closing ceremony, I am excited to share with you the final sculptures along with a few words about each one.
Please note that these are from my (not so easily readable) notes, so I hope that in most part they are correct, also the titles are my own, as I did not find yet sources for more accurate information
At this year’s 6th Panhellenic Wood Sculpture Symposium, artists drew inspiration from Kazantzakis’ life, work, and restless spirit. Each sculpture reflects a dialogue between wood and soul, tradition and modern expression.
Nikos Kazantzakis — A Life of Struggle and Light
Nikos Kazantzakis (1883–1957) is one of the most important modern Greek writers and thinkers. Born in Crete, he explored through his novels, essays, plays, and travel writings the human condition, freedom, faith, and inner struggle. His famous epitaph “I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.” reflects his philosophy of life, a constant quest for meaning and liberation.
1st Work - Giorgos Karagiannis (Athens) “Two Words Blended” The youngest artist of the symposium found inspiration in a homeless man he used to see near an ATM every day. This daily image sparked the creation of a piece that fuses two words together, symbolizing both unity and conflict.
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2nd Work - Nikos Manesis (Crete) “Scream” This sculpture depicts screaming heads, a raw expression of all the things that surround us, the pressure we carry, and the need for humans to release their voices. It is a work about catharsis, resistance, and emotional survival.
3rd Work - Stavros Tsavdaridis – Ambatzoglou (Thessaloniki) “Reach Where You Cannot” The artist recreated his most distinguished photograph and engraved the words “Φτάσε όπου δεν μπορείς” (“Reach where you cannot”), one of Kazantzakis’ most famous quotes. It serves as a timeless reminder to always push beyond our limits and strive for the impossible.
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4th Work - Andri Pafiti (Cyprus)
“Diogenes & Kazantzakis” Inspired by the ancient philosopher Diogenes, who wandered with a lantern searching for real people, the artist combined this quest with Kazantzakis’ lifelong search for truth. The result is a powerful symbol of philosophical questioning and human authenticity.
5th Work - Stratos Pallas (Crete)
“The Puppet” This sculpture shows a wooden puppet, a body that cannot move on its own. It always needs someone else to pull the strings. It reminds us of the fragility of autonomy, dependence, and the balance of control in life and society.
Do you remember the work in progress?
6th Work - Filippos Kalamaras (Florina) “Kazantzakis’ Cat, he named her Σμιθίτσα (Smithitsa)” This work portrays a cat, a tribute to a story from Kazantzakis’ life: he once wrote that a cat had saved him. The sculpture becomes a symbol of companionship, survival, and the unexpected ways life protects us.
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7th Work - Nikos Georgiou (Argolis)
“Hands and the Butterfly of Hope” Two hands are locked in conflict: one hand tries to strangle the other with a rope. Yet from this chaos emerges a delicate wooden butterfly, a metaphor of hope, showing that even in darkness, there is the possibility of transformation and freedom.
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8th Work - Zafeiria Athanasopoulou (Thessaloniki)
“Breath / Expression” This piece reflects the act of inhaling and exhaling, like an open window that both receives and gives. It symbolizes the flow of ideas, emotions, and the constant rhythm of human expression.
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9th Work - Manolis Thomakakis (from Crete, Italy)
“Little Girl with a Heart” I think her name is Eleni A sculpture of a young girl with long hair, holding a heart. The work will be placed on a tree in the small forest of Gournes, where every heart has been crafted by a different artist. The piece is tied to Kazantzakis’ phrase: “Take responsibility, say: I am responsible.” It is a reminder that although we often hear about disasters and feel powerless, every small act matters — and when multiplied by many, it can change the world.
'Ν' αγαπάς την ευθύνη. Να λες: Εγώ, εγώ μονάχος μου έχω χρέος να σώσω τη γης. Αν δε σωθεί, εγώ φταίω
“Love responsibility. Say: I, I alone am obliged to save the earth. If it is not saved, I am to blame.”
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Some more images from the event
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All sculptures were donated to the Municipality of Hersonissos and there are some discussions about a wooden sculpture museum in the future. These works are not only art pieces but living symbols, rooted in the public space, inspiring dialogue and reflection.
Which of these sculptures speaks to you the most? Let me know in the comments!
I hope that you enjoyed this post and the images :)