Antonis Kyriakoulis

Antonis Kyriakoulis is one of Greece’s most distinctive contemporary visual artists, widely recognized for his refined drawing style, witty imagery, and multifaceted artistic practice. Born in Athens in 1938, he studied at the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses and later pursued Graphic Arts at the Doxiadis School (1960–1964), under the renowned engraver A. Tassos. He continued his studies in London at the London College of Printing, attending programs during 1964–1965 and again in 1966–1967.

 

Kyriakoulis presented his first solo exhibition in 1971 at Fondazione Europa in Milan, an event that drew significant attention and was accompanied by a special issue dedicated to his work by the Italian magazine Mondo Giovine. From the early 1970s onward, he expanded his artistic activity into scenography and costume design, becoming an influential figure in Greek theatre and opera. His long-standing collaborations with major cultural institutions established him as a leading stage designer, and between 1983 and 1985 he served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greek National Opera.

 

Throughout his career, Kyriakoulis has worked across painting, drawing, illustration, printmaking, and design, producing a body of work that is immediately recognizable for its poetic humor, theatrical sensibility, and sharp observation of everyday life. His compositions often capture the absurdity and elegance of modern society, combining satire with delicate visual language.

His work has been presented in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Greece and abroad, and has been featured in important retrospectives, including presentations highlighting both his visual artworks and his contribution to stage design. Antonis Kyriakoulis remains an essential voice in Greek contemporary art, bridging fine art and theatrical expression with originality, intelligence, and enduring charm.