Pavlos Dionyssopoulos, known by his artistic name Pavlos, was a well-known artist born in 1930 in Filiatra. He passed away in 2019 in Athens, leaving behind a legacy of great and imaginative works of art.
One of his most important creations is Grand Bar, a large-scale sculpture that Pavlos created in 1991. This monumental work includes 136 bottles and glasses made of poster paper, arranged on four wooden shelves mounted on a wooden panel. The panel itself is decorated with painted or engraved bottles, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the artwork. All these elements are enclosed in a 1 cm thick Plexiglas, measuring 300 x 202 x 20 cm.
Grand Bar is Pavlos’ greatest work, and is truly a sight worth seeing, even through photographs. We have had the privilege of experiencing it in person and admiring the magnificent work of this great artist. We would like to express our gratitude to Mamush Gallery in Kifissia (Athens) for giving us this opportunity. The artwork is not currently on display at the gallery, but can be viewed by appointment for collectors interested in acquiring it.
Pavlos’ artistic vision and skillful execution have left an indelible mark on the art world. His legacy will continue to inspire and fascinate generations to come.
Biography
In 1947, Pavlos settled in Athens and followed his passion for art by studying at the Athens School of Fine Arts from 1949 to 1953. In 1954 he received a scholarship from the French government and travelled to Paris for the first time. During his year-long stay, he attended classes at the Académie Grande Chaumiere and explored Spain, the Netherlands and Germany. Returning to Greece in 1955, he worked in advertising and theatre, designing sets for various productions.
In 1958, Pavlos received a scholarship from the I.K.Y. and returned to Paris, where he opened his own studio and settled permanently. He had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many important artists, including Raymond Haynes, Cesar, Giacometti, Calder, Dubuffet and Pierre Restany.
His artistic career took off in 1964, when he presented his first solo exhibition at the Galerie J in Paris. He subsequently presented his work in numerous solo exhibitions throughout Europe, Greece and America. In 1972 a retrospective exhibition of his work was organized at the Kunstverein in Hanover and in 1997 at the School of Fine Arts (Factory) in Athens. He also participated in various group and international exhibitions, including the Paris Salons, the Alexandria Biennale in 1958, the Paris Biennale in 1965 and 1978, the Venice Biennale in 1980 and the Europalia in 1982.
Pavlos’ work is strongly influenced by the concepts of New Realism and Pop Art. He creates unique compositions by assembling cut strips of posters and metal wire, with ties, jackets, coats and shirts hung on chairs, hangers or walls, as well as curtains, trees, columns, still lifes, landscapes, seas and fields. The interaction of colours and the way the materials are bonded together creates a unique impression and effect.
Source for biographical information from the National Gallery website.
