He was born in Thessaloniki in 1934, but spent his entire childhood in Volos. He studied design and art at the Vakalo School and worked as an assistant in the painting workshop of Th. Andreopoulos. Since he was 16 years old, he has been painting continuously, regardless of the means of his livelihood.

Although he emigrated to Germany for survival reasons, he returned some years later. He held successful exhibitions in Athens and various provincial cities. After his last exhibition, he decided to withdraw from the commercial art circuit, continuing his work independently and unaffected.

Later on, he chose to study for two years in the preparatory department of the School of Fine Arts in Petra. His work began with illustrative painting, which gradually evolved to express his inner visions through shapes and colors.

After 40 years of signing his works with his name (Dimitris A.), he decided to change his signature to Arika A., in honor of his wife.

Since 2001, he lives and works in Nea Makri.