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Renowned Artist, Legendary Freedom Fighter, and Greek National Hero!
Christeas’ BIO
Christeas’ BIO: Born in Athens, Greece, in 1944, the artist began painting at five, with his mother as the primary influence. Over the years, he actively participated in numerous group shows and held several solo exhibitions. A noteworthy event was during the “Cultural Olympiad Athens 2004,” where an invitation from the Ministry of Progress and the National Department of Tourism marked a significant solo exhibition featuring 125 paintings.
On the opening night, the Minister of Progress, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, declared the artist and his group of freedom fighters as national heroes for their pivotal role in defeating the dictatorship and restoring democracy. The event drew the presence of the President of the National Tourist Office, Mr. Dimadis. Curated by the esteemed Mr. Leontios
Petmezas, an art historian and curator, the show was expertly set up by the artist’s son, Elias Christeas.
In terms of art, the artist’s journey has been one of constant evolution, exploring various themes. Notable series include the ‘Up the Moon’ series, born from nightmares after the fight against the junta of 1967. This was followed by the ‘NYC Waterfront Reflections’ series. The latest series, the ‘Glow’ series, is seen as the most significant development in the artist’s life. The use of specialty custom acrylics on canvas, combined with a unique technique, results in colors that evolve throughout the day. When introduced to the backlight, an entirely different painting emerges. Importantly, the artist’s paintings proudly find a place in the collections of three museums in Greece.
In addition to his painting endeavors, he delved into automotive design, crafting a two-seater convertible that earned top honors at the International Custom Car Show in New York City, clinching the first prize for two consecutive years – 1971 & 1972. Moving into the ’80s, he sustained his design prowess, fashioning custom convertible automobiles featured in television programs. Notably, his creation—a red IROC-Z —emerged as the star vehicle in the TV series “Simon and Simon.” Remarkably, this specific car underwent adaptation into a car kit by “Monogram” and transformed a coveted “Hot Wheels” collectible car.
‘Cultural Olympiad Athens 2004’
On Wednesday, February 4, 2004, at 8 p.m., the new exhibition, “Art and Freedom” by internationally acclaimed artist Gregory Christeas, will be inaugurated. The exhibition is under the auspices of the Ministry of Development and the Greek National Tourism Organization. The Minister of Progress Akis Tsohatzopoulos and the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Mr. Nikos Diamadis, will be attending the ceremony of the largest art show in the Cultural Olympiad Athens 2004, which will take place at the old Hellenikon airport on Vouliagmenis Avenue.
Through this exceptional artistic expression, the supreme art of the inspired creator honors a group of freedom fighters who assisted in overthrowing the dictatorship in Greece.
Leonteios Petmezas is an Art Historian and Exhibition Curator.
