Michalis Katzourakis, Requiem I

The painting Requiem I by Michalis Katzourakis is an abstract composition, with strong geometric and minimalist influences. The visual representation is based on mathematical and geometric relationships, and has a strict structure.

The vivid colour palette gives the entire painting a strong sense of lyricism. Katzourakis combined acrylic colours with sawdust and pigments on cardboard.

The black colour framing the geometric shapes and the variety of materials on the surface eliminate any feeling of monotony that such a piece could evoke.

His life in a nutshell

Michalis Katzourakis was born in Alexandria in 1933. Between 1951 and 1955 he studied Painting under André Lhote, and Graphic Arts under Paul Colin in Paris.

In 1955 he moved to Athens and held his 1st solo exhibition at the Pane Gallery. However, his artistic activity increased after 1962.

Katzourakis was one of the first Greek artists to work exclusively on graphic arts and interior design. As of 1970 he mainly worked on large projects for public spaces. He has received numerous awards in international poster competitions.

Artistic influences

The starting point for Michalis Katzourakis’ visual art and sculptures are geometric principles and the process of abstraction.

The American art scene of the 1960s was a source of inspiration for the artist. He started incorporating minimalist elements and creating compositions, as well 2- and 3-dimensional assemblages.

Katzourakis later explored the lyrical abstraction of European artists. His work turned towards a more lyrical rendition of geometric principles.

Favourite themes and artistic style

Michalis Katzourakis was interested in the urban landscape and the mark that people leave on it. Images and objects from daily life were a constant source of inspiration for him.

The main attribute of his pieces is the strictly geometrical, personal vernacular of forms and colours. In most of his creations, he explored the numerous potentials of mixed materials. He uses both natural and industrial materials with vivid colours.

The work of art in our publications

The piece Requiem I by Michalis Katzourakis is referenced in the following Alpha Bank publications:

• The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1920 until Today, edited by Irene Orati. The publication accompanied the same-titled exhibition that opened in Thessaloniki in 2006.
  
  Buy the publication The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1920 until Today on the Alpha Bank e-shop.
  
  
• The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1950 until Today (Cyprus, 2008), edited by Irene Orati. The publication accompanied the same-titled exhibition, held in 3 cities in Cyprus (Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca) in 2008.
  
  
• The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1950 until Today (Rhodes), edited by Irene Orati. The publication accompanied the same-titled exhibition that opened in Rhodes in 2016.

• The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1950 until Today (Rethymno) , edited by Irene Orati. The publication accompanied the same-titled exhibition, held at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete in Rethymno in 2016.
  
  
• The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1950 until Today (Larissa), which accompanied the same-titled exhibition, held at the Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa - G.I. Katsigras Museum in 2017.
  
  
• The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1950 until Today (Ioannina), edited by Irene Orati and Thomas K. Begas. The publication accompanied the same-titled exhibition, held at the Municipal Gallery of Ioannina in 2019.

In other literature

The painting Requiem I by Michalis Katzourakis is referenced in the catalogue of the exhibition “Works 2000-2006” held in Galerie Denise Rene, Paris in 2006.

The painting Requiem I by Michalis Katzourakis is kept on the ground floor of the Alpha Bank building on 12 Pesmazoglou Street, Athens.

You can visit them by appointment. Contact us to book your visit.