NBA Creator Series
“A man’s character is his fate”
“A man’s character is his fate”
The NBA Creator Series in Europe is a collection of original artwork commissioned by the NBA featuring artists from France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the UK to celebrate the league’s 75th Anniversary Season in 2021-22. Each artwork centers on the artist’s passion for the NBA, favorite moments from the league’s history, and the connections between Europe and basketball.
My artwork released by the NBA Creator Series features a mosaic portrait of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek professional basketball player and two-time NBA MVP. Giannis is a natural source of inspiration for me, as we grew up in the same neighborhood in Greece. I admire Giannis for overcoming tough challenges with great class and remaining an incredibly humble person, showing solid character. My artwork for the NBA Creator Series is titled “A man’s character is his fate,” named after the quote by Greek philosopher Heraclitus.
To express my admiration for Giannis, I created a mosaic portrait of him made out of classic Greek keys and patterns. I also wanted the artwork to reflect two identities: one solid Greek and one African and cosmopolitan. To achieve this, I colored the patterns following the traditional Aso Oke fabrics, typical of Nigeria. This reflects two identities, one solid Greek and one West African and cosmopolitan. I also created a structure that mimics a typical African stained-glass window, honouring the central role of African churches in social movements in Africa and America.
I believe that Giannis Antetokounmpo is a true hero, a positive role model, an educator who teaches with simplicity and humor, a champion made through hard work and dedication, and, finally, a healer. My artwork reflects these sentiments, with the mosaic portrait of Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrating his character, achievements, and contributions to basketball and society.
The artwork was released, on various social media platforms, including Facebook (@NBAHellas), Instagram (@NBAEurope), Twitter (@nbahellas), and YouTube (@NBAEurope).
Previously, I have produced multiple artworks for Giannis and the entire Milwaukee team, including a map portrait of Giannis for a Nike shop, an NBA FINALS 2019 piece for Bleacher Report, and a series of mosaic portraits featuring the top Greek basketball players of all time. I also created a portrait of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and I hope to have the time and the opportunity to create a portrait of the entire Antetokounmpo family.
My artwork released by the NBA Creator Series features a mosaic portrait of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek professional basketball player and two-time NBA MVP. Giannis is a natural source of inspiration for me, as we grew up in the same neighborhood in Greece. I admire Giannis for overcoming tough challenges with great class and remaining an incredibly humble person, showing solid character. My artwork for the NBA Creator Series is titled “A man’s character is his fate,” named after the quote by Greek philosopher Heraclitus.
To express my admiration for Giannis, I created a mosaic portrait of him made out of classic Greek keys and patterns. I also wanted the artwork to reflect two identities: one solid Greek and one African and cosmopolitan. To achieve this, I colored the patterns following the traditional Aso Oke fabrics, typical of Nigeria. This reflects two identities, one solid Greek and one West African and cosmopolitan. I also created a structure that mimics a typical African stained-glass window, honouring the central role of African churches in social movements in Africa and America.
I believe that Giannis Antetokounmpo is a true hero, a positive role model, an educator who teaches with simplicity and humor, a champion made through hard work and dedication, and, finally, a healer. My artwork reflects these sentiments, with the mosaic portrait of Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrating his character, achievements, and contributions to basketball and society.
The artwork was released, on various social media platforms, including Facebook (@NBAHellas), Instagram (@NBAEurope), Twitter (@nbahellas), and YouTube (@NBAEurope).
Previously, I have produced multiple artworks for Giannis and the entire Milwaukee team, including a map portrait of Giannis for a Nike shop, an NBA FINALS 2019 piece for Bleacher Report, and a series of mosaic portraits featuring the top Greek basketball players of all time. I also created a portrait of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and I hope to have the time and the opportunity to create a portrait of the entire Antetokounmpo family.
The original Artwork
Making-of process:
NBA video
Some Details:
Some media posts from NBA:
An Art Exhibition NBA Creator Series in Abu Dhabi, October 2022
I'm grateful and honored to participate in the NBA Creator Series in Europe, celebrating the connection between basketball and Art. Thanks to the NBA for trusting me and to Giannis Antetokounmpo for inspiring my work. To all who've supported my work, thank you. I hope that this artwork inspires greatness in others.