**Nine Women Artists Turn Cyprus into a Mosaic of Memory, Identity, and Belonging**
Limassol, Cyprus – A new exhibition titled “CHANNELLED: CYPRUS – Women Artists of the Island” has opened at XeniArtSpace, showcasing the diverse artistic expressions of nine women artists connected to Cyprus. The exhibition, which runs from September 22, 2026, to February 18, 2027, aims to explore contemporary themes of memory, identity, and belonging through various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, and textiles.
This exhibition marks the second chapter in XeniArtSpace’s CHANNELLED series, following the recent international exhibition “CHANNELLED: Women in Art Across Centuries,” which is set to continue until March 5, 2027. The focus of “CHANNELLED: CYPRUS” is to present a multifaceted portrayal of the island, allowing the artists' individual experiences and perspectives to contribute to a larger narrative about Cyprus.
At the heart of the exhibition is the concept of the artist as a channel, translating personal memories and experiences into visual or material forms. The artworks are displayed across two floors of the gallery, transitioning from broader explorations of women’s experiences in Cyprus to more intimate intergenerational dialogues.
Xenia Kulbachevskaya, the founder of XeniArtSpace and a collector of contemporary art, emphasized the importance of providing women artists with a platform to share their unique stories. “What moves me most is that every work has its own voice,” she stated, highlighting how each artist perceives Cyprus through her own lens and brings elements of her inner world into her creations. Kulbachevskaya also noted that the exhibition encourages visitors to reconsider their understanding of a familiar place, suggesting that art has the power to provide new insights into well-known environments.
The official opening of the exhibition was attended by Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, along with various guests from the arts, culture, and media sectors. In his remarks, Armeftis acknowledged XeniArtSpace's significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Limassol, noting that the gallery has hosted ten exhibitions since its inception. He described the quality of the exhibitions as comparable to those found in major museums, underscoring the gallery's role in enriching the cultural life of both Limassol and Cyprus.
In addition to “CHANNELLED: CYPRUS,” XeniArtSpace is also featuring a smaller exhibition titled “PICTORIAL EXCERPTS.” This presentation showcases the works of Daphne Christoforou and her mother, Julia Astreou-Christoforou, and examines themes of heritage, mythology, and the transmission of artistic language across generations. The pairing of the two artists creates a dialogue that reflects their familial connection while highlighting their distinct artistic interpretations of Cyprus and its cultural memory.
Daphne Christoforou’s contemporary practice draws on elements of mythology, symbolism, and personal experience, while Julia Astreou-Christoforou offers insights from an earlier generation, contributing to a richer understanding of the island's artistic landscape. XeniArtSpace describes this collaboration as an exploration of family, memory, and cultural inheritance, showcasing the interplay between two generations of artists.
XeniArtSpace operates as a private art institution, built around Kulbachevskaya’s extensive collection, which spans early 20th-century art movements such as Impressionism, Expressionism, and Fauvism, as well as contemporary works. The gallery currently features two exhibition spaces located in Limassol’s Trilogy Plaza, and since its opening in December 2024, it has developed a robust program that includes numerous exhibitions featuring both local and international artists.
“CHANNELLED: CYPRUS – Women Artists of the Island” represents a significant cultural event, inviting audiences to engage with the rich tapestry of women’s experiences in Cyprus. The exhibition not only showcases the talents of its featured artists but also encourages a deeper reflection on the themes of memory, identity, and belonging that resonate throughout the island.