About

Portrait of Valia Gentsou, smiling, with reddish-blond hair and glasses.

I have always felt that photography, as an Art, possesses the secret strength to transform the way we see the world. To turn, just by millimeters, the seemingly still image into a travelling breeze. To change the colors…Then, Time, this eternal traveler, does not fit into small bottles. There is only a vast, unexplored Universe.

Valia Gentsou

Valia Gentsou is a photographer and poet. She was born in Athens and grew up in Agrinion. She studied literature at Athens University School of Philosophy. She earned a graduate degree in classical studies with a major in Ancient Greek literature. She also studied classical music (piano and theory) at Athens National Conservatory. She worked as professor of literature in secondary education, both public and private. Since 2010, she has been working in editing.

In 2017, she attended seminars on artistic/creative photography, given by Platon Rivellis, photographer, photography theoretician and founder of the “Photographic Circle”. She had been a member and participated in many of its group exhibitions, among them:

  • “Dreams” – The Box Gallery, Athens, May 2018

  • “Man, and his Image” – European Cultural Centre of Delphi, October 2018

  • “Laundry” – Hellenic American Union, Athens, May 2019

  • “Delphi beyond the antiquities” – European Cultural Centre of Delphi, October 2019

  • “The Smile” – iFocus Photo Gallery, Athens, January 2020

Her photography work was presented by Platon Rivellis in the Hellenic American Union (December 2018). Also, online, as part of monthly presentations, organized by the “Photographic Circle” (June 2020 and November 2021).

In November 2024 and in May 2025, she attended the five days seminars, entitled: “Taking photos in Athens”, given by the photographer Nikos Economopoulos. Also, she participated in group exhibitions, organized by iFocus, online photography magazine, such as:

  • “ATHENS” – iFocus Photo Gallery, Athens, September 2024

  • “Athens: Urban Frictions” – The Athens City Festival, Macart Cultural Space, Athens, May 2026

Part of her photography work (40 photos) has been published by Photohoros publications, New Little Series (March 2023). In November 2023, by the iFocus editions, has been published her photo-book/album collection, entitled: “SENSUS POETICA”.

In May 2026, her photographic work was featured in her first solo exhibition at iFocus Photo Gallery from 9 to 17 May 2026, entitled: “Innocence remains”.

In addition to photography, poetry is an essential part of her life. Three collections of her poems have been published:

Her poems, reviews and articles have been published in print and online literature and art magazines.