About

Maria Gkini / Tzini is a multidisciplinary Greek artist with a deep passion for visual storytelling. Born and raised in Thessaloniki, she discovered her love for painting and crafts at an early age, which enabled her to create her own magical world as a child. She later enrolled in an Art High School and by the time she was seventeen, she had already earned a spot at the School of Visual and Applied Arts at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, after passing the entrance exam for individuals with special artistic aptitude. There, she explored not only painting but also printmaking, collage, and mixed media art. During this time, she designed her own clothes and accessories, drawing inspiration from the punk and grunge aesthetics. She also contributed as a scenographer and art director to fellow students' short films and theater productions.

​

In recent years, after exploring a broad range of artistic fields, Tzini has shifted her focus to creative direction, production, and styling in fashion photography; since then, her work has been published in numerous fashion magazines, including Kaltblut, Roll Up, Cake, and Selin. For her, crafting an image from scratch is similar to painting, where models, clothing, and accessories replace brushes and paint. Her distinctive approach brings vibrant, dynamic compositions to life, merging artistry with fashion in every project. She enjoys challenging conventional norms and celebrating individuality, pushing the boundaries of beauty standards. 

​

Currently based in Athens, she is involved in styling, creative direction, and production for fashion and other artistic projects, while also working as a scenic painter for the Greek National Opera.