Alekos Fassianos’ first solo exhibition in Turkey unfolds in the atmospheric setting of the Byzantine Cistern within a 500-year-old hamam, a space that perfectly complements the artist’s rich Greek heritage. Curated by Anlam Arslanoglu de Coster, the show presents five works that have never before been seen internationally. One standout is a striking painting of Istanbul, which not only ties Fassianos’ work to the city but also invites viewers to engage with his cross-cultural influences.
Often referred to as the “Picasso of Greece”, Fassianos’ work spans painting, sculpture, and design, seamlessly blending Greek mythology and modernist influences. His time in Paris during the 1960s played a pivotal role in shaping his distinctive style, which is characterized by vibrant colors and bold, symbolic imagery. Among his most recognizable pieces are his bird sculptures, often painted in Yves Klein blue and holding a stalk of wheat, which have become synonymous with his artistic vision of freedom and renewal.
In the late 1990s, Fassianos introduced his signature “Fassianic” figures—stylized, windswept human forms adorned with Hellenic symbols, their scarves and hair caught in the breeze. These figures became a hallmark of his art, blending timeless mythological references with contemporary expression. This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to explore Fassianos’ artistic legacy, making it worth visiting for those interested in the intersection of Greek heritage and modernist art.
Alexandra de Cramer
Issue 66, December 2023
Turkey’s Centenary Issue
