Thekla (born Thekla Aristophanous; October 27, 1985) is a greek Cypriot artist specialising in neoclassical oil pastel paintings.

Although born in Cyprus, Thekla was raised in London’s East End before returning to Cyprus for her high school years. She later moved back to the UK to study Fine Art at the University of East London. This back and forth between cultures has been pivotal in shaping her outlook, deeply influencing both her creative perspective and the person she has become. Thekla later furthered her studies at Nottingham University, which is her current city of residence together with her husband and two children. Upon finishing her studies, Thekla married into a running business and stood by her husband’s side whilst also prioritising motherhood and family life. This admittedly took a toll on her creativity for a number of years. As more free time slowly re-emerged however, it has allowed her to immerse herself back into the art world, with one of her most recent showcases
being part of a group exhibition at
London’s Boomer Gallery.

The structure of Thekla’s paintings carry an old aesthetic; inspired by the great masters, they’re brought into the 21st century and created primarily with oil pastels. This medium, though challenging when it comes to fine detail, offers a vibrancy of colour and a thick texture that brings each piece to life, offering the viewer a fresh take on a timeless piece of art. Most paintings are on a large scale, demanding attention and boldly holding their place on display.

Alongside these classical influences, Thekla also draws inspiration from everyday sayings, English proverbs, idioms and famous quotes, transforming them into visual allegories. What often begins as a personal amusement evolves into paintings that carry a witty and playful edge, blurring the line between word and image.