A week in Athens, between art and reflection
In September 2025, as part of the Franco-Hellenic Applied Dialogues, Athens hosted Muriel Pénicaud for a week dedicated to the intersection of art and reflection on major contemporary issues.
The highlight of this week was held on Wednesday, September 17th, at the Hellenic American Union, with a conference entitled The Future of Labour, co-organized with IOBE and moderated by Nikos Vettas. Muriel Pénicaud analyzed the major transformations to come: How will artificial intelligence, ecological evolution, and the transformation of our relationship to work shape the world of employment in the next decade? Faced with these four simultaneous upheavals, of unprecedented scale, the conference provided answers to these crucial issues.
A recording of this discussion is available online here.
The evening continued with the opening of the photographic exhibition Matrix of Worlds, presented in collaboration with Citronne Gallery and the Hellenic American Union, curated by Tatiana Spinari, director of the gallery. The exhibition, which takes its title from the eponymous monograph published by Skira editions, presented a selection of around forty photographs from the book.
Muriel Pénicaud's artistic eye focuses on both natural landscapes and urban scenes, with particular attention paid to the human condition and women. Through her photographic works, she addresses universal themes of freedom, resilience, and hope, inviting us to reflect deeply on our place in the contemporary world.
The event concluded with a networking cocktail reception.
The event garnered significant media attention. Several outlets praised the poetic and humanistic dimension of Muriel Pénicaud's work, highlighting how her work weaves a link between emotion, reflection, and commitment.
Among them:
Kathimerini English Edition – Full interview here,
Monopoli.gr – Interview published here,
and Madame Figaro Greece – Article available here.
Alongside the exhibition, Muriel Pénicaud participated in several discussions and panel sessions with Greek personalities.
Tuesday, September 16th
During a working breakfast organized by the Network for Reform in Greece and Europe on the theme of 'The Rise of the Far Right: Why in France?', discussions focused on the rise of populism in France, Europe, and the United States. Anna Diamantopoulou, President of the Network, former European Commissioner, and former Minister, emphasized that 'democracy is being tested' and that 'in the age of artificial intelligence, traditional parties must rethink both their analysis and their strategy to become attractive again.' The discussion can be viewed online: here.
On the same day, a meeting organized by Women Act, moderated by Maye Zanni, allowed Muriel Pénicaud to share her journey and reflect on the challenges of female leadership: persistent stereotypes, imposter syndrome, and the need for quotas to promote equal opportunities and accelerate change.
Wednesday, September 17th
Invited to the Thinking Forward – Intelligence Beyond Leadership breakfast discussion, organized by EMG Strategic Consulting and coordinated by Athanasios Papandropoulos, Muriel Pénicaud shared her vision of leadership.
Finally, the meetings concluded with a panel discussion organized by CSR Hellas and the Franco-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI France Greece), in partnership with Franco-Hellenic Applied Dialogues. The event concluded with great success. The theme: 'Women in positions of responsibility in companies and the public sector. What is the current situation? What changes are needed?'
The panel included: Niki Kerameus, Minister of Labor and Social Security; Muriel Pénicaud, former Minister of Labor of France; Alexandra Palli Giannakopoulos, President of CSR Hellas; Daniel Fokas, ESG Coordinator at CCI France Greece; Georges Prevelakis, Professor Emeritus at the Sorbonne and former Permanent Representative of Greece to the OECD; Olga Vayena, Managing Director of BIC Violex; Ismini Papakirillou, Managing Director of the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB).
Nikos Aliagas and Muriel Pénicaud © Georges Prevelakis
Saturday, September 20th
Muriel Pénicaud met Nikos Aliagas during a presentation of her photographic work at the Elliniki Etairia, an organization dedicated to the protection of Greece's natural and cultural heritage.
Both share a common sensitivity to humanity and the mystery of life. Nikos Aliagas' approach deeply resonates with Muriel Pénicaud's world. He summarizes his vision as follows:
"I photograph to capture the invisible, that which escapes the frame yet inhabits it. Each image recognized behind the lens is but one possibility in the face of infinity. I seek to capture a moment that retains the essential, a fragile and powerful moment, like the fleeting and discreet scent of a summer twilight."
Through their respective perspectives, they capture the ephemeral and reveal the invisible. For both, photography is both a view of the world and a medium that creates meaningful connections.
Between the exhibition, conferences, and meetings, this week in Athens illustrated the vitality of the Franco-Hellenic dialogue.
Muriel Pénicaud would like to warmly thank Georges Prevelakis, the Franco-Hellenic Applied Dialogues, the IOBE, the team at the Hellenic American Union, the Citronne Gallery, as well as Laurence Auer, French Ambassador to Greece, and all the partners met during this week of exchanges.