Born in Sydney, Kareena Zerefos is a Greek Australian artist residing in Lisbon, Portugal. Her artistic journey began in childhood, and continued with an undergraduate degree in design, after which she developed a distinct illustrative style and multidisciplinary practice that has evolved over the years. She returned to the University of New South Wales, and graduated with a Master of Art in 2017.
In coloured pencils, watercolour and layered mixed media, Kareena weaves intricate narratives of life in her works on paper, delicately intertwining themes of isolation, connection, duality and dichotomies — past and future, tangible and ethereal, natural and artificial. Through her art, she evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquillity, challenging the borders of real and imagined.
Her work has been recognised and celebrated in numerous exhibitions and publications, setting a profound foundation for her continuing endeavours. Kareena Zerefos offers viewers an immersive and thought-provoking experience, inviting them to join her as she continues to explore the boundaries of her own personal journey.
Illustration
Branding & Visual Design
Textile & Surface Design
SINCE 2017Juggling Creation
Motherhood is a work in progress, made up of tiny moments — and in these moments, I've found clarity, faced many challenges, lost myself, and found the world anew, all through the lens of my daughter's awe. Amidst these experiences, art has continued to be my sanctuary, my playful partner in crime, guiding me not just to express or escape, but to connect — with myself and that sweet soul whose tiny, sticky fingers never miss an opportunity to poke into my watercolours.
It isn’t simply about making marks on paper — it's rediscovering my self amidst the beautiful disarray. It's about the freedom of exploration, the delight of curiosity, the purity of joy, and the unity shared through creativity.