Dimitris Mytaras
Encyclopedia
Dimitris Mytaras is a Greek artist born in Chalkis in 1934 and is considered one of the important Greek painters of the 20th century.
His work is mainly inspired by the human figure, and a combination of naturalism and expressionism. From the 1960s onward, Mytaras moved in the direction of Critical Realism
, while from 1975 an expressionistic approach became more and more marked in his output.
under Yiannis Moralis
. Later on he studied stage design at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs
in Paris. From 1964 till 1972, he directed the Interior Decoration Workshop of the Athens Technological Institute. Since 1975 he has been teaching at the Painting Workshop of the Athens School of Fine Arts. Mytaras has participated in more than 30 international group shows, including the 1972 Venice Biennale
.
, Mytaras sought to comment critically on Greek life through a series of realistic works entitled Photographic Documents.
In later life he turned towards classical
themes.
Mytaras was also selected to create one of the official posters for the 2004 Summer Olympics
in Athens
.
His work is mainly inspired by the human figure, and a combination of naturalism and expressionism. From the 1960s onward, Mytaras moved in the direction of Critical Realism
Critical realism
In the philosophy of perception, critical realism is the theory that some of our sense-data can and do accurately represent external objects, properties, and events, while other of our sense-data do not accurately represent any external objects, properties, and events...
, while from 1975 an expressionistic approach became more and more marked in his output.
Biography
From 1953 till 1957, Mytaras studied at the Athens School of Fine ArtsAthens School of Fine Arts
The Athens School of Fine Arts , is Greece's premier art school whose main objective is to develop the artistic talents of its students.-History:Athens School of Fine Arts was established on 12 January 1837, known as the School for the Arts...
under Yiannis Moralis
Yiannis Moralis
Yiannis Moralis was an important Greek visual artist and part of the so-called "Generation of the 30s".-Life:...
. Later on he studied stage design at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs
École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs
The École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs is a public university of art and design and is one of the most prestigious French grande école...
in Paris. From 1964 till 1972, he directed the Interior Decoration Workshop of the Athens Technological Institute. Since 1975 he has been teaching at the Painting Workshop of the Athens School of Fine Arts. Mytaras has participated in more than 30 international group shows, including the 1972 Venice Biennale
Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale is a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place once every two years in Venice, Italy. The Venice Film Festival is part of it. So too is the Venice Biennale of Architecture, which is held in even years...
.
Works
During the time of the Greek military junta of 1967-1974Greek military junta of 1967-1974
The Greek military junta of 1967–1974, alternatively "The Regime of the Colonels" , or in Greece "The Junta", and "The Seven Years" are terms used to refer to a series of right-wing military governments that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974...
, Mytaras sought to comment critically on Greek life through a series of realistic works entitled Photographic Documents.
In later life he turned towards classical
Classical antiquity
Classical antiquity is a broad term for a long period of cultural history centered on the Mediterranean Sea, comprising the interlocking civilizations of ancient Greece and ancient Rome, collectively known as the Greco-Roman world...
themes.
Mytaras was also selected to create one of the official posters for the 2004 Summer Olympics
2004 Summer Olympics
The 2004 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, was a premier international multi-sport event held in Athens, Greece from August 13 to August 29, 2004 with the motto Welcome Home. 10,625 athletes competed, some 600 more than expected, accompanied by 5,501 team...
in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
.
External links
- Dimitris Mytaras at Euran Global Culture Networks
- Documentary Video About Mytara's life and work
- Euran Global Culture Networks
- Interview
See also
- Art in modern GreeceArt in modern GreeceModern Greek art is the term used to describe Greek art during the period between the emergence of the new independent Greek state and the 20th century....
- National Gallery of Greece