Sofia Vari at Plateia Kotzia

Sophia Vari (Greek: Σοφία Βάρη; 9 October 1940 – 5 May 2023) was a Greek painter and sculptor. Born as Sophia Canellopoulos, she was married to sculptor Fernando Botero. She opened a studio in Paris in 1992, where she trained the likes of Patricia Avellan.

On Kotzia Square, in the historic center of Athens, and right across from Athens's City Hall sits one of Ms. Vari's powerful bronze sculptures in the middle of a large public fountain. As you circle the fountain the sculpture changes form, it softens and stands proud against a backdrop of neoclassical and modernist buildings. You can see more of Vari's work at Athens' National Gallery.

Vari died in Monte Carlo on 5 May 2023.

‍