We are afraid. We wear masks and gloves, we hold on to our antiseptic gels and wipes, we wash our hands, we wipe and wash our groceries, we talk to our neighbors from a safe distance, we stay away from loved ones, we say to each other “hang on, it will pass”. We comply with all the restrictions of our freedom; we welcome our democracy being shuttered – even temporarily – for the greater good. Still, we are afraid.
Nicki Panou is a self-taught photographer and digital artist based in Thessaloniki, Greece. With a background in applied informatics and a master’s degree in graphic arts and multimedia, she also studied acting at the “Parathlasi” theater workshop.
Active in photography since 2013, she has participated in numerous exhibitions in Greece and abroad. Her work has earned international recognition, most notably the 1st Prize in the Self-Portrait category at the 24th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards (2024).
Awards Bronze, Prix de la Photographie Paris 2025
Category Winner, 24th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards 2024, Self Portrait Non Pro
Honorable mention, Mythography Vol. III 2023, Exhibit Around
Nominee, reFocus World Photo Annual 2023
Honorable mention, Budapest International Foto Awards 2021
Bronze, Prix de la Photographie Paris 2021
Nominee, Fine Art Photography Awards 2021
Honorable mention, ND Awards 2020
Honorable mention, International Photo Awards 2020
Honorable mention, Prix de la Photographie Paris 2020
Nominee, Fine Art Photoraphy Awards 2020
1st place, "The old han, a live space" contest, Photography Center of Thessaloniki/Bensousan Han/Lavart, 2018
2nd place, IEK ESP contest, 2017
Portfolio contest, Photometria Festival, Ioannina, 2015