Ruby Award for What Was Never Said | Gallery Ring RED 2026 International Exhibition
Awarded the Ruby Award in Gallery Ring's RED 2026 International Online Exhibition, What Was Never Said examines silence as an expressive force through symbolism, Japanese-inspired imagery, and a carefully orchestrated crimson palette.
Ruby Award – When Silence Becomes the Subject
Recognition in the arts is meaningful not only because it celebrates a finished work, but because it acknowledges the ideas, research, and emotional commitment behind its creation. Every exhibition becomes a conversation between artist and audience, while every award suggests that this conversation has found resonance beyond the studio.
It is therefore a genuine pleasure to share that my artwork What Was Never Said has received the Ruby Award in Gallery Ring's RED – July 2026 International Exhibition.
Although the exhibition was dedicated to the color red, the work itself extends beyond chromatic interpretation. Red became the emotional architecture through which silence could be explored—not as emptiness, but as a living presence.
Beyond Words
The painting emerged from a simple yet enduring question:
What remains after words disappear?
Inspired by the proverb Speak No Evil, I wanted to investigate silence from another perspective. Rather than presenting silence as repression or fear, I imagined it as a conscious space where memory, affection, longing, and resilience continue to exist without needing verbal expression.
The woman's lips are covered by a single camellia.
This flower does not erase speech; it transforms it.
The gesture becomes symbolic rather than restrictive, suggesting that some emotions achieve their deepest meaning precisely because they remain unspoken.
The Language of Symbols
Throughout my work, symbolism functions as a visual vocabulary.
In What Was Never Said, every element contributes to the narrative.
The deep red camellias speak of admiration, hidden love, dignity, and emotional depth.
The koi fish, flowing gently through the composition, evoke resilience, perseverance, and spiritual transformation. Rather than surrounding the figure, they appear to travel through her inner world, suggesting that growth often occurs silently.
The restrained crimson palette allows warmth and melancholy to coexist, creating an atmosphere where emotion unfolds gradually rather than dramatically.
Even the embroidered Japanese monogram becomes part of the story, quietly affirming personal identity within a composition devoted to introspection.
Silence as Presence
Contemporary culture often celebrates visibility, immediacy, and constant communication.
Yet many of our most profound experiences exist beyond language.
Grief.
Love.
Memory.
Forgiveness.
Transformation.
These are often understood long before they are spoken.
What Was Never Said was created as an invitation to remain within that quiet space—to acknowledge that silence can hold truth without demanding explanation.
International Recognition
Receiving the Ruby Award from Gallery Ring is particularly meaningful because it recognizes a work that brings together visual execution, symbolism, and narrative within an international juried exhibition.
As contemporary artists, we increasingly work across disciplines, combining visual language, symbolism, cultural references, and narrative structures to create works that invite prolonged reflection.
Awards such as this reinforce the importance of pursuing authenticity rather than trends.
They remind us that personal visual languages continue to find audiences across cultures and international platforms.
Continuing the Journey
Every completed painting becomes part of a larger body of work rather than an isolated achievement.
What Was Never Said belongs to an ongoing exploration of mythology, feminine identity, symbolism, and emotional architecture that continues throughout my practice.
The Ruby Award, presented among the exhibition's Top Winners, represents more than recognition for a single artwork.
It becomes another milestone in an evolving artistic journey—one that continues to investigate how color, symbolism, and visual storytelling can communicate what words alone cannot.
I extend my sincere thanks to Gallery Ring for this distinction and to everyone who continues to accompany my work.
Sometimes the most powerful stories are not those that are spoken aloud.
Sometimes they are simply felt.
The RED 2026 exhibition and winners presentation are available through Gallery Ring.
Annita Apostolidou Platis
Visual Artist · Curator · Essayist · Fashion & Jewelry Designer
© 2026 Annita Apostolidou Platis. All rights reserved.
BCAF FLOWERS INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION 2024
Honored to have Glorious Silence from my Links collection recognized at the BCAF Flowers International Exhibition 2024 in Barcelona—a celebration of art, symbolism, and gratitude.
Barbagelata Contemporary Art Foundation - Barcelona, Spain
Participation with artwork from “Links” collection
“I am deeply honored to have my artwork, ‘Glorious Silence,’from my latest series, "Links”, recognized at the international ‘Flowers’ exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. This accolade, a reflection of my professionalism, talent, and unwavering dedication, fills me with immense gratitude. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the BCAF for awarding me this prestigious certificate. It is a privilege to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the art world and to have my efforts acknowledged on such a distinguished stage.”
Thank you - Annita A.
©copyright 2024, Annita Apostolidou Platis. All rights reserved.
Annita Apostolidou Platis
Visual Artist
Painter | Exhibition Essayist | Curator | Fashion and Jewelry Designer | Interior Designer | Poet and Writer
#art#artwork#artsurreal#surrealism#portraitpainting#flowerspainting
#artist #FemaleArtist #WomenInArt#surrealartist #figurativeartist #painter #Fashiondesigner #jewelrydesigner #digitalartistry #CreativeSoul #PaintersOfInstagram #SurrealWorlds #athens #thessaloniki #milan #barcelona @barbagelatafoundation #cairo #lecce #torino #zurich #ArtInnovator #VisionaryArtist #EmergingArtist #ArtisticExpression #UniqueArtwork #ArtisticInspiration #ArtWorldDiscover #dreamer #traveller #thisisme
"FLOWERS" INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION
Excited to announce my participation in the FLOWERS International Exhibition 2024 in Barcelona—an artistic journey celebrating the timeless beauty of flowers, hosted by BCAF.
An invitation to explore the diverse expressions of floral Beauty.
Barcelona, Spain
I feel honored to be part of another artistic journey! A celebration of floral artistry.
Coming soon....
BARBAGELATA CONTEMPORY ART FOUNDATION
BARCELONA, SPAIN
4|2024
©copyright 2024, Annita Apostolidou Platis. All rights reserved.
Annita Apostolidou Platis
Visual Artist
Painter | Exhibition Essayist | Curator | Fashion and Jewelry Designer | Interior Designer | Poet and Writer
#art#artwork#artsurreal#surrealism#portraitpainting#flowerspainting #abstractportrait#surrealartist#abstractartist#athens#thessaloniki#milan#portofino#amalfi#zurich#torino#brindisi#lecce#cairo#barcelona#dreamer#lover#traveller#artist#fashiondesigner#jewlerydesigner#stylist#painter#poet#photographer#thisisme
“World Best Artists Prize” A Recognition of Cultural Excellence
Awarded the World Best Artists Prize by Fondazione Costanza at Palazzo Fatta, Palermo — honoring Annita Apostolidou Platis for her outstanding cultural excellence and artistic innovation.
Fondazione Costanza, Palermo, Italy
In June 2023, Annita Apostolidou Platis was honored with the World Best Artists Prize by the Fondazione Costanza in Palermo, Italy.
The award was presented at the historic Palazzo Fatta in recognition of her exceptional cultural excellence and distinguished contribution to the international art world.
This acknowledgment reflects Annita’s ongoing artistic and curatorial commitment to merging cultural heritage with contemporary visual innovation. Through her collections, essays, and exhibitions, she continues to explore the dialogue between symbolism, memory, and transformation—values that align deeply with the mission of Fondazione Costanza to celebrate global artistic excellence.
✨ “Every recognition is a bridge between dedication and creation — an echo of art’s timeless purpose: to elevate the human spirit.”
International Art Catalogue
Thrilled to see my awarded artwork Hermes Il Messaggero Degli Dei featured in the International Art Catalogue by Accademia Italia In Arte Nel Mondo. A proud recognition of my work celebrating Greek mythology.
Accademia Italia In Arte Nel Mondo
Just arrived !!
So happy I have a page dedicated to my artwork that has been awarded!!
I am very honored and proud to be receiving this recognition from the Accademia Italia In Arte Nel Mondo.
“Hermes Il Messaggero Degli Dei” 2021
#art#artwork#artsurreal#surrealism#portraitpainting#surrealartist#athens#thessaloniki#milan#portofino#amalfi#zurich#torino#brindisi#lecce#cairo#dreamer#lover#traveller#artist#fashiondesigner#jewlerydesigner#stylist#painter#poet#photographer#thisisme
Proud and Honored
Honored to receive the Poseidone Award in Lecce, recognizing my Words collection and its dialogue between Greek mythology, history, and contemporary art.
Accademia Italia In Arte Nel Mondo
POSEIDONE Il Dio Dei Mari
@ the Ancient and Monumental FOYER OF THE ANCIENT THEATRE "POLITEAMA GRECO" in Lecce.
I am very honoured and proud to be receiving this recognition from the Accademia Italia In Arte Nel Mondo with the award "POSEIDONE Il Dio del Mare della Mitologia Greca".
The Academic committee that evaluated the artworks of my new collection called “Words”, stated that my artistic work meets a providential need of Art history! The Greek Mythology, as also the history of Rome and Ancient Egypt, have a powerful influence on my new collection of artworks.
This recognition is very important to me. I feel stronger more determined and it encourages me to continue to perform at a high standard.
Thank you
Annita Apostolidou Platis
#art#artwork#artsurreal#abstractart#surrealism#portraitpainting#surrealartist#athens#thessaloniki#milan#portofino#amalfi#zurich#torino#brindisi#cairo#dreamer#lover#traveller#artist#fashiondesigner#jewlerydesigner#stylist#painter#poet#photographer#thisisme
Accademia Italia in Arte nel Mondo Associazione Culturale
Excited to share that I have been recognized at the Poseidon International Art Award 2022 by Accademia Italia in Arte nel Mondo. More details soon.
Annita Apostolidou Platis
POSEIDONE Il Dio Dei Mari
@ the Ancient and Monumental FOYER OF THE ANCIENT THEATRE "POLITEAMA GRECO" in Lecce.
Jul 9, 2022
POSEIDON INTERNATIONAL ART AWARD 2022
Stay tuned for more information…
Annita Apostolidou Platis
#art#artwork#artsurreal#abstractart#surrealism#portraitpainting#surrealartist#athens#thessaloniki#milan#portofino#amalfi#zurich#torino#brindisi#cairo#dreamer#lover#traveller#artist#fashiondesigner#jewlerydesigner#stylist#painter#poet#photographer#thisisme