Early Life and Education
Pavlos Dionyssopoulos (a.k.a PAVLOS) was born in Filiatra, Greece in 1930. He went to the Athens School of Fine Arts from 1949 to 1953 and studied painting with Yiannis.Moralis.
In 1954, he received a scholarship from the French government to study in Paris. He returned to Athens in 1955 and worked in advertising and theater until 1958 when he left for Paris again, this time on a 3-year scholarship from the Greek government. He ended up staying in Paris permanently.
Artistic Style
The artist was influenced by the innovative atmosphere of the 1960s, especially the New Realists and Pierre Restany. He started using everyday materials of modern civilization, such as printed paper, steel wool, and bolduc ribbons, to create his art. He cut the paper into fine strips with a machine and arranged them to form undulating surfaces with colors and materials that unite.
Abstract to Figurative
At first, his work was abstract, but he later evolved his technique to create figurative images or objects in three dimensions that gave the illusion of being real. He also created environments and spatial installations and held visual art events with the participation of the public.
Exhibitions and Recognition
His first solo exhibition was held in Paris in 1964, and he has since worked with major European galleries. He regularly holds exhibitions in Greece and has participated in significant events that highlighted the Greek avant-garde art scene abroad. He represented Greece in the 1980 Venice Biennale and participated in the Europalia festival in Belgium in 1982.
Retrospective Exhibition
In 1997, a retrospective exhibition of his work was organized in Thessaloniki and was also presented in Athens. One of his projects, Football Players, is located at the ‘Omonia’ station of the Athens Metro.
This artist’s elaborate and imaginative images often negate the material aspect of their construction, subjecting a metaphysical sensation. His work is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the art world.
Title of work: Tarte aux Fraise.
Year: 2000
Artist: Pavlos (Dionyssopoulos)
Medium: Poster paper in plexiglass.
Dimensions: 138 x 5.5 x 74 cm.
Signature: Hand-signed on the back.
Title of work: Tree.
Year: 1971
Artist: Pavlos (Dionyssopoulos)
Medium: Paper construction, plexiglass and marble base.
Dimensions: 310 x 202 x 202 cm (with base).
Signature: Double signed, dated and inscribed ‘Pavlos 1971 V1’ & ‘Pavlos 1971 V2’ (on each trunk).
Title of work: Petit Arbre
Year: 2001
Artist: Pavlos (Dionyssopoulos)
Medium: Poster paper in plexiglass.
Dimensions: 40 x 29 x 16 cm (15.7 x 11.4 x 6.2 in)
Signature: Hand-signed lower right.
Title of work: Grand Bar.
Year: 1991
Artist: Pavlos (Dionyssopoulos)
Medium: Printed paper, plywood, plexiglass, marble.
Dimensions: 259 x 310 x 26 cm.
Bar: 203 x 300 x 20 cm.
Base: 56 x 310 x 26 cm.
Signature: Hand signed and dated ‘Pavlos 91’ (lower right).
Edition: Unique Piece
