Georgios Kosmadopoulos, Landscape

The painting Landscape by Georgios Kosmadopoulos harmoniously combines the cool, blue-green hues of trees and the watery element.

The surface of the painting is dominated by:

• Bold outlines that embrace forms.
• Solid colours.
• Skilful lack of perspective, giving a two-dimensional, abstract visual result.

The piece serves to show the fertile manner in which Kosmadopoulos assimilated the post-impressionism teachings and the Nabis philosophy.

His life in a nutshell

Georgios Kosmadopoulos (1895-1967), who signed his works as “Cosm”, was born in Volos. He studied Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Leipzig, Germany and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, France.

In 1926 he presented his work for the first time in Greece and abroad. In 1936 he held his first solo exhibition in Athens. In the same year, he was awarded the Silver Medal of the Paris International Exhibition.

He was a member of the Greek Chamber of Fine Arts (EETE). He participated in a number of progressive art activities in Athens, such as the founding of the “Atelier” with painter Pericles Vyzantios and others.

Artistic influences

Georgios Kosmadopoulos’ artistic style was influenced by:

• Realism
• Impressionism
• Post-impressionism
• Expressionism

His pieces also show how the artists was influenced by French avant garde art group Nabis.

Favourite themes and artistic styles

Some of Georgios Kosmadopoulos favourite subjects were:

• Ethographic compositions
• Portraits
• Landscapes

With his portraits, Kosmadopoulos opted for a realistic vernacular. In contrast, his landscapes are dominated by elements of plein air painting. In his works, he combined the quick, short brushstrokes of the impressionists with the vibrant, contrasting colours of the expressionists.

The Nabis group

The Nabis art group, which influenced Georgios Kosmadopoulos, originated from the post-impressionist, avant garde artists who defined visual arts in France in the 1890s.

The word “Nabi”, means “prophet” in Hebrew and Arabic. The members of the group attempted to become the prophets of new aesthetics, which would give rise to a unique form of abstract art.

The Nabis were ardent supporters of original and imaginative expression, departing from the aesthetics of realistic imitation that was prevalent at the time. Their painting was dominated by:

• Simplified shapes.
• Wide surfaces.
• Vivid colours.

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