Summary:
The famous greek painter Giannis Moralis, in addition to his painting and educational work at the School of Fine Arts, expanded visually to various other artistic fields, such as engraving, sculpture, scenography, costumes of theatrical performances. However, apart from painting, he distinguished himself more and became acclaimed as a creator, for his architectural artistic interventions in public and private buildings, contributing decisively to the "Architectural Spring" of 1960. For forty years, and in particular from 1959 to 1999, in collaboration with modernist architects, he created artistic compositions, which are still admired by the public today. More specifically, regardless the fact that some of them have been destroyed or never executed, yet are known due to the photographic archival material, from the number of drafts and models he had donated to the Benaki Museum, the National Gallery, ΜIET, etc., proving the seriousness with which he engaged to each of his creations. From his first architectural intervention, which remains the largest in the country, in particular the configuration of the always visible from all sides of the Hilton hotel, to his last one in Athens Metro station, it is easily distinguished ancient greek, Byzantine or even folk art influences in its modern style. He made numerous compositions using various materials, such as marble, ceramic tiles, reinforced concrete, brass, wοod, etc., utilizing his studies but also the accumulated knowledge he gained from the interactions and collaborations he made with architects and craftsmen.
Keywords:
Moralis, painting, architecture, 20th century, modernism, abstract art
