Within the serene grounds of the Kalesma Hotel in Mykonos, a remarkable visual journey of byzantine frescoes awaits inside a small chapel dedicated to Saint Demetrius. This chapel, the brainchild of the Saint of Athens in collaboration with illustrator Gerasimos Hatzis, presents a unique reinterpretation of Byzantine iconography. Ditching the vibrant colors typical of Orthodox art, the chapel embraces striking black-and-white frescoes that retell the Passion of Christ. These works explore how ancient Christian art traditions can find new life through modern visual forms grounded in theological roots.
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Designed by K-Studio with interiors by Studio Bonarchi, the chapel mirrors the understated geometry of Cycladic religious architecture. The whitewashed walls, cubic form, and minimal windows echo the family chapels scattered across the Aegean. Inside, however, visitors are enveloped in a distinctly different atmosphere. Stretching around the walls like a continuous frieze, the frescoes hold onto the hallmark frontal compositions and flattened spaces of Byzantine art while introducing fresh, graphic motifs.
The Passion in Ink and Line: Byzantine Frescoes Reimagined
Under the art direction of the Athens-based creative agency, Hatzis crafts the Holy Week story solely with black and white, aligning it with Mykonos’ simple architectural palette. This choice shifts focus toward elements of line and composition. Gold halos, one of the few splashes of color, connect to the traditional Orthodox symbols of holiness. The most significant shift lies in introducing robust geometric patterns inspired by tribal art. These motifs, integrated into figures and architectural elements, infuse a rhythmic dynamism into the frescoes without overshadowing their Byzantine essence.
A Musical and Visual Harmony
Co-owner Sophia Kusathana envisioned centering the chapel’s narrative on Christ’s Passion during Holy Week. Taking nearly a year to finish, the frescoes now encircle the interior, sitting beneath a dark wooden iconostasis that anchors the chapel’s limited palette. The experience is further enriched by a soundscape from Stephanos Giakoumakis, complementing the frescoes’ tale with an evocative audio layer. This delicate blend amplifies the ambiance, offering a richer contemplative experience.
The chapel beautifully marries traditional Orthodox roots with a fresh, contemporary graphic style. With bold geometric motifs and a restrained color palette, the space stands as a testament to the creative vision of the Saint of Athens.
The artwork flows through the space, telling its story as visitors move along the walls wrapped with narrative and design.
Visitors experience the balance between simple architectural forms and intricate artwork as they approach the chapel. The Cycladic exterior subtly hides the contemporary interior’s vivid reimagining of byzantine frescoes.
Project Information
Architect: K-Studio | @k_studio_gr
Interior Design: Studio Bonarchi | @studiobonarchi
Curation & Art Direction: Saint of Athens | @saintofathens
Iconography Theme: Sophia Kusathana
Illustration: Gerasimos Hatzis
Soundscape: Stephanos Giakoumakis
Photographer: Gavriil Papadiotis | @gavriilux
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Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about the frescoes in Saint Demetrius Chapel?
The chapel embraces striking black-and-white frescoes that reinterpret Byzantine iconography by retelling the Passion of Christ using only black and white, aligning it with Mykonos’ simple architectural palette while incorporating robust geometric patterns inspired by tribal art.
Who collaborated on designing the Saint Demetrius Chapel?
The chapel was a collaboration between the Saint of Athens and illustrator Gerasimos Hatzis, with K-Studio designing the architecture and Studio Bonarchi handling the interiors.
How does the soundscape enhance the experience in the chapel?
The frescoes are complemented by a soundscape from Stephanos Giakoumakis, which adds an evocative audio layer that amplifies the ambiance and offers a richer contemplative experience.