Vlassis Caniaris, Untitled, 1974, mixed media, approx. 85 x 170 x 250 cm. Courtesy Kalfayan Galleries and Galerie Peter Kilchmann. Photo credit: Kalfayan Galleries, Courtesy of Galerie Peter Kilchmann
A major retrospective of Vlassis Caniaris (1928–2011), one of Greece’s most influential post-war artists, is set to open at Galerie Peter Kilchmann in Paris on March 20, 2025. This marks the gallery’s third solo exhibition dedicated to Caniaris and the first significant retrospective in France since his passing.
The exhibition presents a comprehensive selection of sculptures, assemblages, installations, and works on paper produced between 1962 and 1980, a crucial period in Caniaris' artistic evolution. Created during his time in Paris, Berlin, and Athens, these works address the socio-political realities of post-war Europe, including critiques of economic disparities, the Greek military dictatorship, and the struggles of migrant workers in Germany.
Caniaris had a longstanding connection to Paris, where he lived twice with his family—first from 1960 to 1966, and later from 1969 to 1976. His impact on the French art scene was solidified when he was awarded a solo exhibition at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris in 1970. His work, deeply rooted in historical and social consciousness, challenged power structures and exposed the gaps between economic ambition, national identity, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
To commemorate the opening, a conversation event will take place on March 20 at 6:30 PM, featuring Dr. Michael Fehr, curator and editor of Caniaris' catalog raisonné (1952–1983), and Ioanna Irini Caniaris, the artist’s daughter. The discussion will be moderated by Peter Kilchmann, providing insight into Caniaris’ artistic and political legacy.
Caniaris is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal figures in Greek contemporary art, having significantly altered the country’s artistic landscape. His radical visual language, which fused conceptual rigor with politically charged imagery, positioned him as a pioneering voice in European modernism. His influence extended beyond Greece, leading to invitations to the Venice Biennale (1964, 1988, 2003, 2013) and documenta in Kassel (1977, 2017).
At a time when Europe was grappling with economic transformations, authoritarian regimes, and large-scale migration, Caniaris' works provided an unflinching visual commentary on displacement and social fractures. His material-driven approach, incorporating found objects, industrial materials, and ephemeral imagery, reflected the tensions between personal identity and state control.
The exhibition runs until May 10, 2025, offering an in-depth exploration of Caniaris' artistic trajectory. Additionally, the gallery will present a selection of new works by Bernd Ribbeck in its project space, creating a dialogue between historical and contemporary artistic perspectives.
With this retrospective, Galerie Peter Kilchmann reaffirms its commitment to preserving and revisiting the legacies of avant-garde artists, highlighting Caniaris’ enduring relevance in today’s global discourse on politics, migration, and human rights.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
Vlassis Caniaris, Untitled, 1974, mixed media, approx. 85 x 170 x 250 cm. Courtesy Kalfayan Galleries and Galerie Peter Kilchmann. Photo credit: Kalfayan Galleries, Courtesy of Galerie Peter Kilchmann
A major retrospective of Vlassis Caniaris (1928–2011), one of Greece’s most influential post-war artists, is set to open at Galerie Peter Kilchmann in Paris on March 20, 2025. This marks the gallery’s third solo exhibition dedicated to Caniaris and the first significant retrospective in France since his passing.
The exhibition presents a comprehensive selection of sculptures, assemblages, installations, and works on paper produced between 1962 and 1980, a crucial period in Caniaris' artistic evolution. Created during his time in Paris, Berlin, and Athens, these works address the socio-political realities of post-war Europe, including critiques of economic disparities, the Greek military dictatorship, and the struggles of migrant workers in Germany.
Caniaris had a longstanding connection to Paris, where he lived twice with his family—first from 1960 to 1966, and later from 1969 to 1976. His impact on the French art scene was solidified when he was awarded a solo exhibition at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris in 1970. His work, deeply rooted in historical and social consciousness, challenged power structures and exposed the gaps between economic ambition, national identity, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
To commemorate the opening, a conversation event will take place on March 20 at 6:30 PM, featuring Dr. Michael Fehr, curator and editor of Caniaris' catalog raisonné (1952–1983), and Ioanna Irini Caniaris, the artist’s daughter. The discussion will be moderated by Peter Kilchmann, providing insight into Caniaris’ artistic and political legacy.
Caniaris is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal figures in Greek contemporary art, having significantly altered the country’s artistic landscape. His radical visual language, which fused conceptual rigor with politically charged imagery, positioned him as a pioneering voice in European modernism. His influence extended beyond Greece, leading to invitations to the Venice Biennale (1964, 1988, 2003, 2013) and documenta in Kassel (1977, 2017).
At a time when Europe was grappling with economic transformations, authoritarian regimes, and large-scale migration, Caniaris' works provided an unflinching visual commentary on displacement and social fractures. His material-driven approach, incorporating found objects, industrial materials, and ephemeral imagery, reflected the tensions between personal identity and state control.
The exhibition runs until May 10, 2025, offering an in-depth exploration of Caniaris' artistic trajectory. Additionally, the gallery will present a selection of new works by Bernd Ribbeck in its project space, creating a dialogue between historical and contemporary artistic perspectives.
With this retrospective, Galerie Peter Kilchmann reaffirms its commitment to preserving and revisiting the legacies of avant-garde artists, highlighting Caniaris’ enduring relevance in today’s global discourse on politics, migration, and human rights.
