The Mario Prassinos exhibition in Nicosia at the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum is a monumental event, marking the first comprehensive showcase of the Greek artist’s printmaking work in Cyprus. Celebrated for his Surrealist contributions, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Prassinos’s visionary legacy and engage with the history of Surrealism through his extensive career.
What is the significance of the Mario Prassinos exhibition in Nicosia?
The exhibition at the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum marks the first comprehensive showcase of Greek artist Mario Prassinos’s printmaking work in Cyprus. Celebrated for his contributions to Surrealism, this event provides a unique opportunity to explore the artist’s visionary legacy and engage with the history of Surrealism through Prassinos’s extensive career.
The Legacy of a Greek Artistic Genius
The world of art is about to experience a remarkable event in Nicosia. An exhibition featuring the renowned Greek artist Mario Prassinos is set to open at the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum. Mario Prassinos, a name that resonates with the echoes of Surrealism, left an indelible mark on the 20th century’s artistic landscape.
Born in Istanbul in 1916 to Greek parents, Prassinos was enveloped in creativity from the start, with his sister being the famed novelist Gisèle Prassinos. His family moved to France when he was a child, where he later became associated with the Surrealists. It was there that Prassinos honed his craft, embracing the ethos of the movement and creating works that were both visionary and revolutionary.
The Exhibition: A First for Cyprus
The exhibition is monumental as it is the first time Prassinos’s printmaking work will be showcased in its entirety on the island. Though he is celebrated among the Greek diaspora for his artistic contributions, many in Cyprus may not be as familiar with Prassinos’s oeuvre. His work was not just limited to printmaking; he was also an accomplished tapestry maker and author, with his texts reflecting the same enigmatic and poetic qualities seen in his visual art.
Mario Prassinos’s connection to the giants of Surrealism, like André Breton and Salvador Dali, further cements his place in the history of art. His work was first shown at the Billiet-Worms gallery in 1939, a solo exhibition that was attended by many illustrious figures of the day, including Max Ernst and Marcel Duchamp. This exhibition in Nicosia is not just a display of his work but a passage through the history of Surrealism and Prassinos’s extensive career.
Engaging with Prassinos’s Techniques
Parallel to the display of Prassinos’s art, the museum will host a series of events, including an extensive three-day printmaking workshop. The workshop will delve into the intricacies of Prassinos’s techniques, offering participants hands-on experience in the art of printmaking. This interaction presents a unique opportunity for both educators and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the very methods that Prassinos employed.
The workshop will cover a range of topics, including handmade paper making and the Etching Lino technique, a testament to the breadth of Prassinos’s skills. The museum’s aim is not just to exhibit Prassinos’s work but to bring it to life, allowing the public to engage with his artistic process on a deeper level.
Visiting the Exhibition
For those eager to witness the works of Mario Prassinos, the exhibition will be available from April 15 to December 28 at the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum. Visitors can expect an enriching experience that showcases the depth and diversity of Prassinos’ work. As the first comprehensive exhibition of his prints in Cyprus, it presents a rare opportunity to explore the contributions of a leading figure in Greek art and Surrealism.
What is the significance of the Mario Prassinos exhibition in Nicosia?
The exhibition at the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum marks the first comprehensive showcase of Greek artist Mario Prassinos’s printmaking work in Cyprus. Celebrated for his contributions to Surrealism, this event provides a unique opportunity to explore the artist’s visionary legacy and engage with the history of Surrealism through Prassinos’s extensive career.
Who was Mario Prassinos and what was his contribution to art?
Mario Prassinos was a Greek artist born in Istanbul in 1916, known for his Surrealist contributions. He was associated with the Surrealists in France and created works that were both visionary and revolutionary. Prassinos was not only a printmaker but also an accomplished tapestry maker and author, reflecting enigmatic and poetic qualities in his art.
What can visitors expect from the Mario Prassinos exhibition in Nicosia?
Visitors can expect to delve into the history of Surrealism through Prassinos’s extensive career, as well as explore his visionary legacy through the exhibition at the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum. The exhibition is a unique opportunity to engage with the artist’s work and witness the depth and diversity of Prassinos’ contributions to Greek art.
Will there be any interactive events or workshops at the exhibition?
Yes, parallel to the exhibition, the museum will host a series of events, including an extensive three-day printmaking workshop. This workshop will allow participants to learn about Prassinos’s techniques, such as handmade paper making and the Etching Lino technique, offering a hands-on experience in the art of printmaking. This interactive aspect aims to bring Prassinos’s artistic process to life and provide a deeper understanding of his work.
