Thessaloniki gallery opens with Tetsis
Artist Panayiotis Tetsis (photo) presents his well-known ‘black-and-white’ ink works as well as oil paintings at the Romanou 7 Gallery, which opened its doors in December.ere’s an ideal combination: Panayiotis Tetsis, a leading contemporary Greek painter, and the Romanou 7 Gallery, a brand-new art space which recently opened its doors in Thessaloniki. Inaugurated in December, the Romanou 7 is currently presenting an exhibition of works by Tetsis, who was in Thessaloniki for the exhibition’s opening. The Tetsis show features a selection of ink paintings – the artist’s well-known «black-and-white» works – as well as oil paintings. Pieces in ink make up a special part of Tetsis’s oeuvre, not to mention their importance in the art of postwar Greece. Behind the Romanou 7 Gallery are art historian Sonia Kotidou and Pantelis Tramantanis. The gallery’s debut show featured works by four local young artists, namely Marina Velissioti, Constantina Gagani, Christos Koundouras and Thodoris Spanos. Speaking to Kathimerini, Kotidou noted that the aim of the new art space is to present young artists, and not only those only from Thessaloniki, while also holding shows by established names. «For the time being, we are focusing on painting and sculpture, although in the future, we aim to enlarge our scope by opening up to new media, such as video and performance art,» said Kotidou. Will invitations also be extended to foreign artists? «It’s rather soon to envisage such a step,» said Kotidou. «Of course, it’s something that we have considered as regards our long-term planning. In the meantime, however, we do have a number of creative and interesting artists here at home whose works we would like promote.» As for the collaboration with Tetsis, Kotidou noted that the proposal was transmitted to the artist via his collaborators. «He showed confidence in our project and so we went ahead; it’s a great honor for us.» Works by Panayiotis Tetsis will remain on display at the Romanou 7 Gallery, situated between Mitropoleos Street and Tsiroyiannis Square, until Febuary 20. Opening hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m.
