Central Image: George Sfakianakis

The legacy of the artist Alekos Fassianos’ work is significant but also of global value since it extends beyond the borders of Greece and France, where he studied, lived and worked. These environments and his professors, among them Yiannis Moralis, but also greek culture, folk tradition and modern art in general, all influenced him as is evident in his work. His main subjects are man, nature and the environment, with some distinctive figures reappearing throughout his works. Alekos Fassianos believed in the freedom of art, but also that anything can become art. In addition to the paintings -which he lovingly created on the floor of his studio- sculptures, poems, engravings, illustrations for books and stage sets for theatrical performances, he also created a multitude of functional objects. The first retrospective exhibition after the death of the great artist, titled “Alekos Fassianos – Design Works”, comes to shed light on this, for many unknown, aspect of Alekos Fassianos, presented by the Alekos Fassianos Estate in collaboration with Carwan Gallery.

Photo: George Sfakianakis

The objects designed and often manufactured by Fassianos himself were intended for the spaces in which he spent his daily life, and were distinguished by practicality, simplicity in design and attention to detail. They manage to keep the user physically and mentally alert, while they were designed with human proportions and needs in mind, with user-friendly materials and sculpted geometries. He often used brass, wood and marble, combing them with surfaces of intense colour, on objects of all scales that were unique creations, rejecting the logic of mass production. These objects were closely related to the paintings of Fassianos since he borrowed his painted forms and gave them volume and substance, thus creating a third dimension on something flat like the painting.

Photo: George Sfakianakis

Some of the original seats, tables, lamps and ceramic objects created by the artist are displayed at the "Alekos Fassianos – Design Works" exhibition, which will last until January 14, 2023, at Carwan Gallery in Piraeus. These objects will be produced on a limited scale for the first time in 2023, with the certification of the Alekos Fassianos Estate and based on the artist's own designs.

Photo: George Sfakianakis

Photo: George Sfakianakis

We thank Carwan Gallery for the material. Find out more about the exhibition here.