Atalanti Martinou, founder of Arch which highlights Art, introduces us to her creative world, centered on ceramics

What are the highlights of your journey so far?

I began by studying History of Art at Brown University and then moved to New York to study fashion at Parsons School of Design. A short but valuable experience at Museum of Modern Art followed, along with important milestones such as my years at Sotheby’s and Skarstedt Gallery.

New York taught me how to stand on my own feet and take initiative. Returning to Athens and founding ARCH was a major personal step: a space where all that experience translated into action — albeit in a slightly different form.

The discovery of a creative perspective in ceramics — how was the first idea born and how did it evolve over time?

Ceramics came later, almost as a counterbalance. It began for practical reasons, more experimentally at first, and gradually became a steady part of my daily life.

In what way do you feel your aesthetic is evolving?

My aesthetic is the result of observation and years of searching and absorbing information, both from the artistic and the natural world. Over time it becomes clearer, but not monotonous. Patterns, colors, and forms have gained greater confidence.

What do you consider your most important achievements?

The creation and sustainability of ARCH, along with the collaborations that have grown through it. Through ARCH, we introduce international artists such as Matthew Wong, Kelly Akashi, Yu Nishimura, Patricia Treib, and Lena Henke — who may not be widely known to the Greek audience — while also giving space to Greek artists to present their work.

Through the ARCH Workshop, objects and ceramics are created with an emphasis on Greek makers and designers, where functional objects are treated as works with longevity.

What and who helps you move forward?

My collaborators, my family, the artists who create through ARCH, and the people who trust my judgment. Collaboration and exchange are essential elements of progress.

What is ARCH, how did it begin, and what is its focus?

ARCH is a non-profit space I founded in 2019 that invites artists to exhibit in Athens. At the same time, the ARCH Workshop continues to evolve, generating collaborations, exhibitions, and ceramic works that move between art and design. Recent projects place greater emphasis on use and the collectible object.

Tell us about your ongoing collaboration with Crini & Sophia.

It is a collaboration based on respect for the handmade and the unique. We create ceramics exclusively for their brand that “fit” within their textile collections, building a more complete and cohesive table setting.

How has the creative process shaped you, and what have you gained from it?

It has taught me to work slowly, to accept uncertainty, and to trust the material — both its consistency and the surprises that arise. It’s a practice that also influences the way I think.

What has extroversion offered you?

Ha! I wouldn’t say I’m particularly extroverted — but I try!

What story does your new collection tell, and what are your immediate plans?

I work quite intuitively and not so much with the logic of structured collections. I especially enjoy collaborating on projects where there is the possibility to create something custom.

Do you love and use color?

Very much. Quite often, that’s exactly where I begin.