2011, *The Poet and His Double* (N. Karouzos), 80x100, oils on canvas by Koskiniotou — "The Poet and His Idol," 80 × 100, oil and oil pastel on canvas

A visual art piece titled «Meteor» dedicated to Nikos Karouzos

Two solo exhibitions by Vasiliki Koskiniotou in Kythira

A unique cultural event is expected to capture the interest of art lovers in Kythira this August. The renowned visual artist Vasiliki Koskiniotou is presenting a dual solo exhibition of paintings and prints on our island, which serves as a personal tribute to 100 years since the birth of the great Greek poet Nikos Karouzos (1926-1990).

This visual presentation unfolds in two parts, artistically bridging the southern and northern parts of the island:

Part 1: «Theorem i» | Kythira

Where: Mercato Hall, Chora
When: August 1–9 (official opening on August 2)

Part 2: «Theorem II» | Potamos

Where: Potamos Cultural Center Auditorium
When: August 14–24

Nikos Karouzos (Nafplio, 1926 – Athens, 1990) was one of the leading yet most idiosyncratic figures in Greek literature. He studied law and political science at the University of Athens and led an ascetic life devoted to writing and poetry. He was a member of the resistance and was exiled. He was nominated in 1979 for the Nobel Prize in Literature (along with his fellow poet Odysseas Elytis), but the elusive nature of his writing kept his work relatively unknown to the Swedish Academy. However, he was twice honored with the State Prize for Poetry by the Greek government, wrote essays on art as well as prose (along with his two-volume collected works, all published by Ikaros), and remains a towering intellectual beacon who enriched and glorified the Greek language in an unparalleled way. Since his death, he has continued to inspire artists and intellectuals, and his recognition continues to grow.

Inspired by his words, Vasiliki Koskiniotou is bringing two sets of 12 works each to Kythira. With the familiar her abstract and lyrical personal style, the painter ‘translates’ Karouzos’s poetry onto canvas and prepared paper, using oils, oil pastels, watercolors, inks, and pencils, as well as mixed media. The large double portrait of the poet, titled “le poète et son double”/“the poet and his double,” is on display for the first time. During the exhibition, the painter will invite fellow visual artists and performers to converse, interact, and collaborate—through their own works or spontaneous events—with the poetry of Nikos Karouzos, which will be announced throughout the duration of the exhibition.