An exhibition opening in Nicosia this March welcomes works by an artist considered to be one of the most talented painters of Cyprus of the younger generation. From March 17, Argyris Konstantinou will present his new body of work through an exhibition titled Greece an Image a History.

As a member of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece and of EKATE and having participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions in the past, Argyris is very active in the art world. His work features several important aspects of the life journey with memory being a dominant one. Other cycles that usually appear in his work are landscapes, freedom, brides, children of another era and traditional Greek costumes. His upcoming exhibition blends some of these and features scenes of historic Greece.

Writing about his new exhibition, the poet Pitsa Galazi comments: “Argyris returns with a large and impressive new solo exhibition. Argyris’ work is original and was created on the occasion of the anniversary of National Polygenesis and is essentially an artistic journey to historic Greece.

“The excellent painter, having dealt with all the materials, is now returning, presenting an exhibition with drawings and shading that give elaborate works, strongly reminiscent of engravings. His work shows courage and patience but also immense love for people and objects that take us back to the time of misery and humanity.

“Absolutely monumental,” she adds, “Argyris, as he showed us in his previous exhibitions, returns to remind us of old Greece. Pontians, Cretans, traditional dances, traditional costumes, couples, families of another era, parades, students in the classrooms, children in the fields and the countryside, traditional professions from the glaze to the idiot of Spathari, lanterns, women work in yards and fields. Scenes from the occupation and the refugees, reminding that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Asia Minor catastrophe… He skillfully handles the tonal gradations and with excellent writing quality, he presents works that give us a world that turns to pride but also to the difficulties of that time with a unique artistic journey. An exhibition,” she concludes, “that deserves to be seen and commented on for its craftsmanship, originality and courage.”

Greece an Image a History

Exhibition by Argyris Konstantinou. March 17-April 15. Gloria Gallery, Nicosia. Opening night 7.30pm. Monday: 5.30pm – 8pm, Tuesday – Friday: 10.30am-12.45pm and 5.30pm – 8pm. Saturday: 10.30am-12.45pm. Tel: 22-762605