Cypria fine art auction puts spotlight on iconic Cypriot and Greek artists

Evening Sale: Wednesday 17th April, 7:00 PM, Gallery K

Live online bidding available through Invaluable and Drouot

Viewing: Gallery K 14 Evrou Street, 2003 Strovolos, Nicosia Wednesday 3rd April – Tuesday 16th April

As the art world gears up for the auction season, Cypria Fine Art Auctions is poised to unveil a collection featuring iconic Cypriot and Greek artists as part of a remarkable assembly curated around diversity in artworks and affordability. With a total of 154 lots, the auction promises to captivate audiences with its breadth of artworks spanning from the late 19th century to contemporary creations. From evocative pieces to innovative compositions, the collection offers a journey through time and artistic innovation, all while ensuring accessibility with a range of affordable options for both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

“In our inaugural auction of the year, our aim was to present a collection of artworks that would resonate with established enthusiasts and novices alike, while evoking a myriad of human emotions. Through a diverse array of naives, landscapes, still lifes, and intimate indoor scenes, our collection tells stories that speak to the soul,” remarks Ritsa Kyriacou, Director at Cypria Fine Art Auctions.

Scheduled for the evening of April 17, 2024, at Gallery K, the auction also features a distinguished lineup, with a focus on prominent Cypriot figures like Christoforos Savva, Andreas Chrysohos, and Andreas Ladommatos, alongside revered Greek artists Yannis Gaitis, Pericles Pantazis, and Alecos Fasianos.

SPOTLIGHTED ICONIC CYPRIOTS

Christoforos Savva’s explorations in spatial dynamics take centre stage, with his abstract compositions, Composition with House (EST € 12 000 – 18 000) and Composition with Heart, (EST € 12 000 – 18 000), serving as exemplary works from the 1960s. Savva’s work, heavily influenced by modern art during his formative years in London, reflects a profound passion for deciphering space in the artistic sense of the word. The pair of works to be auctioned are striking examples of his segmented abstract compositions, characteristic of the period from 1965 to 1967. Additionally, a selection of sketches by Savva offers insight into the artist’s creative process.

Andreas Ladommatos makes a compelling statement with his tranquil masterpiece, Stones and Flowers (EST € 5 000 – 10 000), capturing the essence of natural beauty with masterful brushwork. In contrast, Loves Me, Loves Me Not  (EST € 4 500 – 7 500), showcases a departure from the artist’s earlier thematic explorations. Loves Me, Loves Me Not transports viewers to a sun-kissed field, where Ladommatos explores themes of youth and romance. The painting depicts a girl kneeling amidst a sea of daisies, engaging in the timeless ritual of plucking petals to determine love’s fate. Beside her sits a contemplative figure, infusing the scene with a sense of poignant reflection. Through this charming tableau, Ladommatos captures the essence of spring and youthful romance, eschewing allegorical interpretations in favor of a heartfelt portrayal of human emotion.

In Quarter 3, 2003, (€ 4 000 – 8 000) Andreas Chrysohos channels the spirit of the Renaissance era, crafting a scene of serene beauty and classical grace. In this enchanting composition, four women take center stage, exuding an air of carefree elegance amidst the embrace of nature. Reminiscent of nymphs from classical mythology, the women are depicted in a state of tranquil reverie, their figures bathed in the soft glow of afternoon light.  In contrast, Persephoni, (EST € 2

500 – 5 000), transports viewers to a realm of surreal wonder, where an almost naked woman is seated atop a beast. The ambiance is imbued with a dreamlike quality, as shades of blue playfully shape the composition, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Through Persephoni, the artist invites viewers to explore the depths of imagination and symbolism, offering a contemporary interpretation of mythological themes.

SPOTLIGHT ON RENOWNED GREEKS

Exploring the Essence of Humanity: Yannis Gaitis’s One Figure, 1982

Greek artist Yannis Gaitis commands attention with his iconic sculpture, One Figure, 1982, showcasing his distinctive style and creative vision. Crafted in 1982, Yannis Gaitis’s sculpture, One Figure, (EST € 10 000 – 20 000), exemplifies his distinctive approach to form and expression. At first glance, the sculpture appears as a singular figure, but closer inspection reveals intricacy and complexity, with the figure’s form seeming to shift and evolve. Gaitis’s signature “Gaitis figures” come to life here, their simplified yet expressive shapes embodying vitality and movement. Through bold lines and dynamic composition, Gaitis captures universal themes of identity and existence, making One Figure, 1982, a masterful example of his profound artistic vision.

Pericles Pantazis’s Still Life with Grapes (EST € 10 000 – 15 000), offers a timeless meditation on beauty and transience, showcasing the artist’s mastery of the naturalist style. Through careful observation and technical precision, Pantazis elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, inviting viewers into a world of sensory delight, where clusters of ripe grapes sit nestled amidst an array of carefully arranged objects.

A Spotlight on Iranian Masterpieces

As Cypria unveils its remarkable collection of Cypriot and Greek art, the spotlight extends to a curated selection of international artworks, enriching the auction with a global perspective. Among these pieces, a rare find awaits: Iranian artworks, a distinctive addition rarely seen outside Iran’s borders. Coveted by collectors worldwide, these exquisite pieces offer a captivating glimpse into Iran’s artistic ingenuity. From evocative traditional motifs to daring contemporary expressions, each artwork weaves a unique narrative, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the vibrant soul of Persian artistry.

Auction Highlights

The auction features a diverse array of artworks, from the vibrant brushstrokes of Stass Paraskos to the tranquil scenes of Oumbertos Argyros. Notably, the collection includes a captivating selection of artworks by Alecos Fassianos, featuring drawings and a variety of limited edition silkscreens, lithographs and etchings. Fassianos’s distinctive style, characterized by elongated figures, vibrant colours, and dreamlike compositions, infuses each piece with the essence of human experience, resonating poetically and offering  timeless appeal.

In The Village (EST € 3 500 – 7 000), the chromatic brushstrokes of Stass Paraskos create an interplay of lively colours evoking a sense of peace and harmony. In the Couple riding on the pathway to the village (EST € 4 000 – 7 000), Oumbertos Argyros creates a tranquil scene in a rural village, where two villagers mounted on donkeys laden with baskets, travel a path adorned with vibrant earthly hues, while tall green trees flank the way, creating an arch of shade. Asma Asmaton II (EST € 7 000 – 12 000) by Alexandros Alexandrakis captures the essence of human connection. Alexandrakis, a veteran of the Greco-Italian War of 1940 in the “Pindos” mountains area, is renowned for his particularly dynamic depictions of this conflict. Additionally, the upcoming auction features two rare and highly collectible war drawings from this period, offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire pieces of historical significance.

As anticipation builds for the season’s first Evening Sale of 2024, Cypria Fine Art Auctions invites art enthusiasts to embrace the beauty and depth of fine art, as they embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation. In the words of Ritsa Kyriacou: “From the whispered secrets of each brushstroke to the bold declarations of colour, this collection transcends mere artistry to evoke a symphony of emotions, beckoning you to partake in the timeless dialogue of human creativity.”

The auction will be held on April 17, 2024, at Gallery K, starting at 7:00 pm. Live online bidding will be available through the Invaluable and Drouot platforms. Established and novel art enthusiasts  are also encouraged to preview Cypria’s curated collection at Gallery K from Wednesday, April 3, to Tuesday, April 16, between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm.