Interview with Alekos Fassianos

This week's guest is a very famous Greek painter and poet. Alekos Fassianos is known for shaping the modern art scene. Let us welcome the one and only Alekos Fassianos.

Hello, welcome to our studio Mr. Fassianos.

Hello, thank you for inviting me.

As we all know you were originally born in Athens, Greece where you also went to an art school. However, you later on, in 1960, moved to Paris, France to study at the National School of Arts. How come you decided to move out of Greece? What was so special about the Art school in Paris?

I wanted to get to know a different country and its culture. France, especially Paris is a very dynamic and inspiring place. I felt drawn to Paris as it is the city of not only love but also the city of artists. Once I arrived at the School my expectations were confirmed. Throughout my studies I met several other artists that I am still in contact with. Connections are very important when you are an artist. They enable cooperations or simply serve as inspiration.

Very interesting. Does working abroad in general help you build connections ?

Oh, definitely. Living and Working abroad also offered me the chance to exhibit many works of Art not only in Greece but also abroad. My paintings can be viewed in over 70 museums all over the world, such as Australia, Japan and America.

As your artwork was publicly available in so many countries, you managed to inspire many other artist. But what inspired you during your work? Are there other artist you admire?

I get inspired by the simple things that surround me daily. The environment I am in and the people that cross my path. Every painting I create is unique and can't be compared with the rest of my artwork. Sometimes I also create stage decorations or costumes for major productions. Obviously I have to cooperate with the producer of the play while making the decorations. So sometimes my artwork is a result of the cooperation with other artistic people.

You are famous for many unique looking artworks. So far, out of all the projects you did what is your favorite ?

That is a though question. I am proud of many things I created as they all represent different stages in my life. However, If I had to decide I would have to choose the stamp series I designed for the Olympic Games in 2004. The Series was titled "Victors" and the figures on the stamps are supposed to reflect the spirit of sport and victory.

Yes your stamp series was a huge success especially because you incorporated antique and modern Greek motives. How did you manage to do this?

Well, I for example, drew modern Greeks with antique attributes such as an olive wreath. Additionally, I used earthy colors to emphasize the connection to the nature.

That was very clever and lead to an increasing order of post stamps.
Thank you very much Mr. Fassianos for giving us a brief insight into your working life as an artist.