Benaki seeks full listing of Engonopoulos
In preparation for a large, retrospective exhibition of the work of the great Thirties-generation painter Nikos Engonopoulos, which is scheduled for the fall of 2007, the Benaki Museum is kindly asking all owners of works by Engonopoulos (paintings, drawings, set design models) to inform the museum of their acquisitions and therefore help with the full documentation of the artist’s work required for the publication of the artist’s catalogue raisonne. Dr Katerina Perpinioti-Agazir is in charge of the catalogue. Nikos Engonopoulos was one of the pioneers of surrealism both in Greek painting and poetry. He was a pupil of Constantinos Parthenis and Fotis Kontoglou, both influential figures in early 20th century Greek art. Through Kontoglou, Engonopoulos became interested in the Byzantine technique and style of painting. He was also greatly influenced by the metaphysical paintings of Giorgio de Chirico. His dummy-like figures and his paintings’ evocation of mythology and antiquity show the connection with de Chirico. During the Thirties, both the paintings and poems of Engonopoulos caused much controversy but were soon accepted as part of the Greek artistic avant-garde. To submit information on any work of Engonopoulos, please contact Ms Maria Diamanti at 210.367.1006 at the Benaki Museum, Monday-Fridays 9.30 a.m – 3 p.m.
