Lot 36
  • 36

Alexis Akrithakis

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Alexis Akrithakis
  • Four Stories
  • signed, titled in Greek and dated 1977 on the reverse
  • acrylic on canvas
  • 89 by 116cm., 35 by 45¾in.

Provenance

A gift from the artist to the present owner

Condition

The canvas has not been lined. With the exception of two very fine scratches in the lower half of the composition, however not distracting, this work is in very good original condition and ready to hang. Presented in a decorative frame.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Four Stories is a fine example of Akrithakis's works characterised by meandering lines that invite the viewer on an introspective journey to the heart of his paintings. Once again, the artist incorporates the suitcase and the arrow, a sort of trademark of his artistic narrative.

As Maria Kotsamani points out in her book on the artist: 'The suitcases, established as an emblem by the 70's, attests most unequivocally to the artist's desire to travel. From this point on, depending on the itinerary, the trip takes over the rest of his symbols, always retaining a cheerful, oneiric quality (...) For Akrithakis, the notion of travel is always expressed by the desire to escape the real world, to make the transition to another whose geographic co-ordinates he is constantly seeking. Objectively speaking, his is a utopian journey, a trip not to be found on the map of reason, but one accompanying the logic of dreams.' (Maria Kotsamani ed., Akrithakis, Athens, 1997, pp. 29-30).