Theoharakis’s ‘Landscapes of the Deep’ in Paris
“Theoharakis’s work is bathed in Greek light. I am proud that at our town hall we are presenting one of the most important exhibitions we have ever had the pleasure to hold. The exhibition will show art lovers the work of a visionary artist who has a deep feeling for painting,» said Mayor Jean-Pierre Lecoq of Paris’s 6th arrondissement, at the opening of the exhibition on April 4. Other officials present were Greek Ambassador Dimitris Paraskevopoulos and Greek Ambassador to UNESCO Giorgos Anastopoulos. In his speech, Paraskevopoulos emphasized the importance of artistic collaboration between the two countries. «Vassilis Theoharakis is characterized by dreams and dream fulfillment, a personal view of nature, another view of the Mediterranean,» he said. «What Greeks and the French have in common is a realistic view and a revelation of beauty. The artist Theoharakis is a well-rounded personality who has created a happy personal life, has achieved distinction in his profession and has proved himself a worthy ambassador for Greece.» With his wife Marina and his children at his side at this very happy time in his life, Theoharakis thanked the officials and let his 45 paintings titled «Landscapes of the Deep,» dating from 2001-2006, speak for themselves. The gallery in St Germain was packed for the opening with art critics and other artists, guests from Greece including the former minister Achilleas Karamanlis with his wife Niki, Sofi Varvitsioti and her son Constantine, National Gallery director Marina Lambraki-Plaka and a large group of friends who have always supported Theoharakis and his wife. The curator of the exhibition was art historian Takis Mavrotas, who is director of the Pieridis Foundation. The trilingual catalog was written by art critic Gerard Xuriguera, also at the opening. The exhibition, held under the auspices of the Centre Culturel Hellenique in Paris, headed by president Aphrodite Fan-Papadia and honorary president Helene Arweiler, lasts until April 21. Originally from Piraeus, Theoharakis studied with Spyros Papaloukas and has been made Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur by the French government. «For me, art is an image of the inner world. Inspiration is the idea that goes around in your head even when you are asleep. The rest is work, work and more work,» Theoharakis advises young artists.
