Alecos Fassianos

Private Collection, Athens

There are a number of flattened paper creases notably in the upper left and lower right corners of the composition and along the right edge, as well as some repaired tears in the upper right quadrant (of approximately 3cm and 30cm in length respectively), further creases along the upper edge and left corner of the composition, and two repaired tears of approximately 3 cm length along the centre of the lower edge.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Fassianos' work is filled with vibrant figures in paroxysms of joy and movement. Timeless in style, these figures reflect the draughtsmanship of Matisse, classical imagery and themes from pottery and Greek Karaghiozis theatre, as well as the artist's background in printmaking and graphic design.  However, Fassianos develops his own visual language of mythology, incorporating the myths of classical and modern Greekness into his imagery.

Ruins, ancient monuments, coffee-shop tables and chairs, bicycles, fluttering scarves, light bulbs and cigarettes are recurrent motifs in the artist's oeuvre. Simplification through silhouette and outline are the focus of the work, and in paintings such as the present, the decorative surface is enhanced by metal sheets and foil. An ever-present breeze causes scarves, flags and hair to snap, wave, and tumble about the energetic composition, punctuated by objects with stippled and cross-hatched patterns in vibrant colours.

'Alecos Fassianos belongs to the generation of those who inherited hellenocentric modernism. His youthful works were influenced by French art informel. But he quickly found his own personal style. Ancient vase painting, vernacular art and the teachings of Tsarouchis assisted him in composing a code genetically programmed to convey a message of vital well-being and optimism' (M. Lambraki-Plaka, National Gallery 100 Years, Four Centuries of Greek Painting, Athens, 1999, p. 515).