The twin artists from Cyprus, Stella and Maria Papa, have managed to make Cyprus resonate loudly on the global art scene. With works that converse with each other yet remain autonomous, the two sisters have left their mark on museums, international exhibitions, and biennales in Europe, America, and Asia.
Their creations have traveled from the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris and the International Contemporary Art Fair in Monaco, to the MOCAMAG Contemporary Art Museum in Austria and the MAS Museum in Milan. In the exhibition “In Alis Artis,” the two sisters presented their own artistic proposal curated by Italian art historian Francesca Callipari, receiving rave reviews. This fall and winter find them in constant motion, with invitations from the international Van Gogh gallery for Art Innsbruck and the INC Art Fair in Austria. November will mark their presence at Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome for the presentation of the bilingual catalog “Jubilee of Hope: Art as a Way for Rebirth,” under the auspices of Monica Ferrarini and Dr. Alice Di Piero.
Their artistic journey does not end here. The awarding of the international Inter.Prize “POSEIDON – The King of Laguna” in Venice by art historians Dr. Salvatore Russo and Dr. Francesco Saverio Russo is a recognition of their dedication to artistic research and stylistic excellence. In December, Stella is preparing for the Red Dot Art Fair Miami following a proposal from the Circle Foundation of the Arts, while Maria travels to Cannes at the invitation of historian Marina Volpi.
The twins have already won awards such as “Leonardo Da Vinci – The Universal Artist,” “The New Great Masters” in New York, “Artists on the French Riviera,” “Poseidon – The King of Laguna,” and “Artist in Art History.” Their works have been showcased at international events like the Biennales of Milan, Cannes, and Basel.
Their names adorn international collectible catalogs such as “Master Artist to Collect,” “Dreams of Art,” “Catalogue of 7th International Prize Leonardo Da Vinci,” and “Jubilee of Hope.” Their creations have illuminated screens in New York, London, Barcelona, and Tokyo, proving that their art has a voice that resonates beyond borders.
Maria Papa combines her scientific training—a degree in Computer Science and a Master’s in Advanced Information Technologies from the University of Cyprus—with her inexhaustible love for painting. She works as an IT Officer in the public sector while creating works that capture people, landscapes, and special moments with vibrant colors on acrylic canvas, as well as using oils, gouache, charcoal, pastels, or pencil. Through her art, viewers are invited to explore stories and harmony hidden in each scene. Maria’s portfolio includes participation in exhibitions in Cyprus, Greece, England, and America, as well as illustrating two books by her father, poet Antonis Gavriil Papa.
Acknowledgment of Maria extends to international competitions and collectible art books with participations in publications like “101 International Art Book Abstract Edition,” recognizing her as one of the 101 best female artists of 2025.
On the other hand, Stella Papa’s painting journey began in 2020 with a primary focus on human emotions depicted through portraits. Her paintings are characterized by intense expressiveness, asymmetry, and use of gold and silver shades conveying messages of hope and optimism to audiences. She studied Economics before obtaining a Master’s degree in Monetary and Financial Economics from the University of Cyprus. She works as an Administrative Support Officer at Hellenic Bank while distinguishing herself as an artist with her works displayed at international events worldwide—from Times Square in New York to Hong Kong. Like her sister, Stella draws inspiration from her father’s poems by Antonis Gavriil Papa and human emotion, combining elements of romanticism and mannerism in each creation.
The twins have been honored with top international awards such as “Leonardo Da Vinci – The Universal Artist, “POSEIDON – The King of Laguna,” and “The New Great Masters,” while their works have been exhibited at museums and exhibitions in Paris, Milan, Rome, London, Madrid, Boston, New York City, and Tokyo.
The story of the two sisters is a journey proving that when talent meets dedication and creativity unite—art knows no borders. With every piece they create—they bring Cyprus into focus on global stages opening new paths for contemporary visual creation.
