Exhibition “Greek Art from 1920 until Today"

Greek Art from 1920 until Today

Following the successful presentation of significant works from the Collection in the exhibition “The Alpha Bank Collection. Paintings-Prints-Sculptures” at the Benaki Museum in 2005, the decision was made to hold one more large exhibition at the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki.

The exhibition aims at highlighting the organic relationships that make up history. It focuses on works created from 1920 onwards, and sheds a more contemporary look on modern Greek art.

The works presented are permanently exhibited in different branches and offices of Alpha Bank throughout Greece. They were brought together in a single exhibition hall for the exhibition in Thessaloniki.

The exhibits

The exhibition includes 140 works by Greek artists created from 1920 onwards: paintings, sculptures, assemblages, sketches and prints.

These exhibits give a clear account of the evolution of modern Greek art in the 20th century. More emphasis is placed on works created post-1950.

The exhibition is structured around the categories of the works of art that are presented. The starting point is the 30s generation. It marks the first opening towards modern European art movements.

Modern movements and Greek art

The works presented have clear influences from impressionism and expressionism. These are complemented by pieces by artists whose work always centred around Greekness.

• Painting: Konstantinos Maleas, Spyros Papaloukas and George Bouzianis are featured next to Theophilos, Yannis Tsarouchis and Spyros Vassiliou. The turn towards modern art becomes more apparent with Yannis Gaitis, Nikos Kessanlis and Vlassis Caniaris.
• Sculpture: It is mostly represented by artists who experimented with new media and incorporated materials such as neon, magnets, ropes and iron in their pieces. Works by Thodoros, Takis, Steven Antonakos, Yannis Bouteas, Jannis Kounellis, etc. are presented.
• Printmaking: The works of Dimitris Galanis are presented first. These are followed by the works of Jean Kefalinos and the students from his workshop. This way, the exhibition encapsulates the evolution of printmaking.

A catalogue titled The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1920 until Today accompanies the exhibition. The publication is available in Greek and English, and includes rich photographic material. It was edited by Irene Orati.

Buy the publication The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1920 until Today on the Alpha Bank e-shop.