Manolis Calliyanis (Greek, 1923-2010)
'Manolis Calliyanis', 1966

oil on canvas
signed 'Manolis Calliyanis' (lower right)

ARR

Dimensions: 100 x 120 cm. (39 1/5 x 47 1/5 in.)

Private Collection, London

Manolis Calliyannis was a renowned Greek painter known for his evocative landscapes and abstract works that blend Greek tradition with modernist styles. Born on the island of Lesbos, he studied architecture in Johannesburg before settling in Paris in 1949 to focus on painting. His early abstract compositions gained international attention, leading to exhibitions in major venues such as the Pierre Matisse Gallery in New York and the Arts Club of Chicago. Calliyannis frequently returned to Lesbos, capturing its landscapes with a unique mix of abstraction and realism. His works are held in prestigious collections including the National Gallery in Athens, the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris, the Tate Gallery in London, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Later in life, he managed the Tériade Library and Museum in Mytilene, leaving a lasting impact on modern Greek art and inspiring future generations of artists.