Sculptor takes to painting
When an acclaimed, 80-year-old sculptor decides to hold an exhibition of paintings, it is bound to cause a stir. Takis, who gained international recognition for his magnetic sculpture work and light installations, has created a series of paintings that is currently on display at Michalarias Art in Kifissia (260 Kifissias & Deliyianni). The 35 works that comprise the exhibition are based on an original concept: The artist has used a liquid that has magnetic qualities. Hence, apart from the bursts of color, small metal objects, such as iron filings, nails and pins, are added to each canvas, adhering to the liquid which acts as an invisible magnet, creating an exploded bubble of color. At a recent press conference, the well-known artist admitted that he has tried his hand at painting in the past. «Before 1955, I had ventured into painting. Later, in 1962, I met [Salvador] Dali who told me that painting was now dead and that only spacial works had any future.» Energy on canvas «Since I had failed as a painter myself,» he continued, «I believed him and devoted myself to sculpture. At that time, that great artist saw that no energy came out of painting anymore. In the older generations of painters, that is what happened with color, as was the case with Malevic. «In this new series of works that I have done, the painting itself could look like it could have been done by anyone if it wasn’t for the magnetic element,» said Takis. Gallery owner Stavros Michalarias talked about his 20-year friendship with the acclaimed artist, which has gone through many different stages before ending up as today’s exclusive collaboration. In September, the gallery owner will present a tribute to Andy Warhol at the same venue, while in October he will organize a huge commercial retrospective exhibition of works by Takis, to celebrate his 80th birthday. Michalarias was keen to point out to journalists that he intends to promote Takis’s work abroad as well, with a variety of events. The sculptor’s works are available at prices ranging from 17,000 to 25,000 euros, depending on their size. The exhibition will run to June 30.
