The iconic retrospective exhibition of the V. & M. Theoharakis Foundation, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yannis Gaitis, has been extended until October 22, 2023. His daughter, Loretta, contributes to the presentation of works from 1944 until the end of his creativity. After the Greek Civil War and the difficulties in Greece, Gaitis moved to Paris in 1954, marrying the sculptor Gabrielle Simosi. His "Anthropakia" (Little People), a central element of his work, engage with pop art and Andy Warhol, while simultaneously expressing his Greek identity and dialogue with the ancient past. Gaitis' work, deeply rooted in Greek history, seeks to align ontological questions with antiquity, creating a modern Acropolis through his art.
A profound humanist, sometimes with sarcasm and at other times with humor, he approached the ideal of man, the one who seeks tranquility for a life without great responsibilities and sacrifices, without extremes and strong passions. Thus, his "Anthropakia" do not get lost in the forest of life; they are like trees that stand unwavering in their place, uniform, serene, and obedient. Gaitis drew his inspiration from everyday life and conveyed it in his own expressive style. His instinct, from the beginning of his artistic journey, led him to his personal ideal, as one thought succeeded another in a coherent manner to complete his vision. A vision that makes it possible to interpret the complexity of reality, with its fundamental, global issues."
The works in the exhibition come from the National Gallery, the Alpha Bank Art Collection, the Museum of Modern Greek Art of Rhodes Municipality, the Vorres Museum, the European Cultural Centre of Delphi, the Antonis E. Komninos Foundation, Piraeus Bank, National Bank, and from collectors Mrs. Eirini Panagopoulou, Mr. Philip Tsangrides, Mr. Spylios Manias, Mrs. Anna Rokofylou, Mrs. Mary Gaiti-Vorres, Mr. Frangiskos Gaitis, Mrs. Electra Vasiliou, and those who wish to remain anonymous. The exhibition will be accompanied by a multi-page catalog with all the exhibited works.
Exhibition Curator: Takis Mavrotas
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00, Thursday 10:00-20:00
Duration of the Exhibition: Until October 22, 2023
Ticket: €8, €5
Book your ticket HERE.