Gallery by Nena

In the picturesque alley of Kokkinou Street in the old town of Nafplio, “Gallery by Nena” of the internationally recognized artist Mrs. Nena Stojanović comes to remind us how much we need Art and its colorful people.
On a winter morning, buried in my coat, I hurry along the narrow streets of the old town to meet Nena Stojanović in person, at the lovely Art space, that she opened in March 2022, on the ground floor of a restored mansion at 8 Kokkinou Street. And although I have read countless articles, presentations, and art critics' opinions about the "Nafplio-resident artist from Serbia," and admired her works online at the famous Saatchi Gallery, nothing had prepared me for the wave of positive aura and dynamic energy, that swept me away when I met her.

Art everywhere, wherever you look…
We sit for hours and talk in the colorful -like a small work of Art- corner that she has created, right across her gallery. In front of us, the exterior of the gallery reminds us of a well-designed set: the ochre of the walls embraces three tall green doors that stand wide-open; the "Gallery by Nena" logo is split in two, framing the central entrance; lush green plants here and there and the main characters in this unique scene, what else, Nena's colorful creations: painted clothes, bags, shoes... a true explosion of colors!
The Serbian songs that Nena loves pour out to the narrow street, as Greek and foreign tourists stand close by, gazing, smiling, and chatting with the artist.
In the high-ceilinged interior space, the upper part of the walls is covered with paintings by Nena. Portraits with expressive eyes, reflecting multiple relapses of the psyche, art works with intensity, dynamism and design completeness, unique pieces, that you dream of adorning your personal space.
Below them, there are rails from which unique clothes are hanged, carefully selected by Nena one by one, clothes intended for women like her, with a strong personality, a unique temperament and a high sense of aesthetics.
The unique technique of Nena and the characteristic splashes of colors are everywhere in clothes, shoes, hats, bags, gloves, and berets. One piece of clothing alone (like the white shirts painted like a canvas, that I loved) can boost up your looks and make everyone around you wonder "where did you discover it?"

Nena Stojanović: a portrait of multiple shades and readings
However, the greatest "discovery" is the creator herself, who may prefer to speak through her works of art, but the truth is, that she has an impressive biography to present, with countless exhibitions, awards, and successes. Nena is a member of the International Art Association, the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece and the UNESCO Group for Arts, Literature, and Sciences of Greece. Also, her works are purchased by collectors from all over the world, while two of her portraits were sold and sent to the address of the White House!
Her life is colorful, with intense fluctuations in her… personal palette, from the darkest to the brightest shades. Originated from Ivanitsa in southwestern Serbia, young Nena learns from her mother, a clothing designer, how to sew and recognize fabrics, while from her father, a civil engineer, she develops a love for handmade creations made of wood.
Raised by the Serbian culture, which encourages children to engage in art and sports from a young age, Nena excels in both fields. Later, an accident in gymnastics and a few broken teeth become the impetus for her to study dental technology in Belgrade. Until the bombing of 1999 changes everything... the landscape of her country and the landscape of her life.
Nena Stojanović moves to Nafplio in 2000, works, starts a family, becomes a local (a “Nafpliotissa”) and since 2010 professionally promotes her art both abroad and in Greece. In 2022, she makes her dream come true and opens the “Gallery by Nena”.
The conversation with her is enjoyable and endless! It's noon already, the coffee turns into...ouzo, we raise our glasses to our health and promise to meet again soon. I hold our acquaintance in my heart like a charm and I suggest -without fear, but with great passion- that on your next stroll in the old town of Nafplio, you visit Gallery by Nena, get to know her artworks up close, as well as herself, and fill your life with colorful fireworks of Art!

Tip
You can see all of Nena's artworks in the online store of the famous Saatchi Art Here

Operating Period
All year

Opening Hours
Daily, Monday to Sunday, 10:00 – 14:30 & 18:00 – 23:00