Yianni Souvatzoglou
One of the most well-known and well-received Greek contemporary
artists in Greece today is Yianni Souvatzoglou. His works
have been recognized and celebrated throughout Greece and
abroad. His list of commissioned works and partnering galleries
is a long one. They include prestigious companies such as,
Athens Metro, Olympic Airways, Delta Airlines, National
Bank of Greece, Hellenic Union of Professional Football,
and many more. His works are also found in numerous galleries
throughout Greece, including the Athens Gallery and Areta
Gallery.
Yianni entered his first junior exhibition at the young
age of 12, and was encouraged by the favorable reviews he
received for his paintings. Between 1963 to 1980, Yianni
spent time exploring imagery through graphic art and photography.
The metamorphosis of these studies and his artistic background
led to the development of a unique 3-dimensional imagery,
which became the platform for his contemporary popular style.
In 1981 Yianni won a prize awarded by the Greek Ministry
of Culture at the National Exhibition for his piece “Eros.”
The following year, Yianni was, once again, awarded for
his work submitted at the National Exhibition.
Today, Yianni continues demonstrating his ideas in many
forms using clay, stone, marble, Plexiglas, bronze, silver
and gold. His inspiration comes from his heritage and the
basic Greek Minoan and Cycladic art forms. These subjects
are then transformed into expressive, moving, storytellers
of the 21st century.
Despite his well-earned popularity, Yianni remains as modest
and approachable as his quaint little corner shop in Plaka.
Surely, you will find yourself near his shop or visiting
one of the many galleries which display his works. Remember
his name. If you would like to meet Yianni in person, you
will find him in his own gallery on Voulis St. after 9pm
in the evening. He welcomes your questions, speaks perfect
English, and is willing to chat as long as you are! Reiterating
his modesty, Yianni has kept his prices unexpectedly affordable
and takes great pleasure in his satisfied customers. It
is a truly a privilege to take home one of his works. Each
one is signed and comes complete with his certificate of
authenticity.
(For more on Yianni Souvatzoglou, see “Kelly’s
Notes”)
