The Evil Eye series is inspired by the Greek superstition of the “mati” or “Baskania”. This tradition has very ancient roots in history: traces of this belief have been found in almost all the ancient Mediterranean civilizations. 

“Baskania” is the term that Ancient Greek used to refer to the power of some people to give bad luck or even sickness to others they envy, admire or are obsessed with.  It was not uncommon to believe that especially people with blue or gray eyes were the most dangerous ones as it was such a rarity to have blue eyes in the Mediterranean area.

People affected by “Baskania” feel physically sick.

Since the old times people tried to protect themselves from the negative power using protective beads like the evil eye which is a sort of amulet meant to reflect on others the curses they might receive from the envious eyes of other people. The evil eye is traditionally blue because it’s the color that gives tranquility, serenity and positivity. 

In the Greek traditions it is believed that children are the most affected. For this reason mothers have the habit to spit 3 times when someone gives too many compliments to their children. 

Many people still believe in the many rituals to send away the bad luck of the “Baskania” and that have millennial roots.  

Kosta has the inspiration for this artwork while in Greece in the summer 2022. The creatures with the blue eyes are represented on a sand background as a symbol of connection to Greece and its traditions. 

The artwork features many variations on the same subject with many figures combined often in couples for an endless number of possible pairings.