Christos Theofilis, born in 1956 in Piraeus, Greece, is a notable visual artist known for his unique approach to painting. Initially, he attempted to enter the Athens School of Fine Arts but failed the entrance exam in 1973. Instead, he pursued a career as an engineer in the Merchant Navy at the Onassis School, traveling at sea until 1979. During this time, despite identifying a form of colorblindness that affected his ability to discern low semi-tones, he continued to paint, driven by an inner desire to master colors.

His artistic talent was recognized when he was one of the ten artists awarded by the European Economic Community at an exhibition in Athens in 1982. Theofilis's art is characterized by its peculiarity, stemming from his ideology of retaining visual conviction that art should draw its energy from the artist's inner truth. This approach made him desirable to buyers without needing to negotiate, positioning him as one of Greece's most sought-after artists in the 1980s.

Between 1978 and 1985, Theofilis co-ran an art space with in Athens, which became a significant venue for many distinguished artists of the period. His refusal to move to New York with Alexander Iolas in 1984 underscores his commitment to maintaining his artistic independence, although he continued to have a professional relationship with Iolas.

Theofilis has organized numerous personal exhibitions, including notable ones like "Epithanatios Synthesi" at Ora Cultural Center (1981), "The Moon" at To Trito Mati Gallery (1989), and "The Portrait of Dorian Gray" at Ekfrasi - Yianna Grammatopoulou (2007). He has also supervised several limited edition albums combining his artwork with texts by various authors.

His contributions are also marked by his involvement with the Institute of Contemporary Art ART-ACT, which he founded in 2000, and the Art Institute ART-ACT in 2007. His work has been described by critics like Costas Stavropoulos as embodying various versions of plasticity and expression, showcasing him as a "snatcher of the visual gaze" and an "alchemist of pictures."

For a more in-depth exploration of his career and contributions to contemporary Greek art, you can refer to various sources:

• The American College of Greece's ACG ART section on their website.
• His personal blog and information on ART-ACT's activities.

  

  
• Artprice's auction price insights for his works.

  
• His exhibition records and contributions to the art community.

  

This overview provides a glimpse into the life and career of Christos Theofilis, highlighting his dedication to art from an unconventional path and his significant influence on the Greek art scene.

 

 Christos Theofilis, a notable Greek artist, has a distinctive philosophy on art and life that intertwines personal experience with a deep-seated ideology. His approach to art is characterized by an unwavering commitment to drawing energy from the artist's inner truth rather than external influences or commercial pressures. Here's a breakdown based on available information:

Art as Inner Truth: Theofilis's art is described as being fueled by his inner convictions. He was known for not succumbing to the "violence of commerce," maintaining his artistic integrity even as his works became highly sought after in the Greek art scene during the 1980s. His philosophy emphasizes that art should be a genuine expression of the artist's personal truth, which in his case was influenced by his unique visual perception due to a form of colorblindness that prevented him from discerning low semi-tones. This personal challenge became a driving force in his art, pushing him to "conquer colors" through his paintings.

Life and Art Intertwined: Theofilis's life experiences, including his initial rejection from the Athens School of Fine Arts and his subsequent career at sea, deeply impacted his philosophy on life and art. His journey from a rejected art student to a celebrated artist underscores a narrative of perseverance and self-discovery, suggesting that life's challenges can be channeled into artistic expression. His time at sea and his decision to continue painting despite colorblindness highlight a life philosophy where art is not just a profession but a continuous personal journey of overcoming limitations.

Influence and Recognition: His recognition came not only from his peers but also from significant cultural figures like Alexander Iolas, who, although Theofilis declined an invitation to New York, still acknowledged his work's prophetic quality and his ability to maintain artistic independence. This aspect of his life reflects a philosophy where art is seen as a form of rebellion against conventional paths, emphasizing personal integrity and the pursuit of one's unique vision over external validation or commercial success.

Exhibitions and Publications: Theofilis's extensive number of personal exhibitions and his involvement in supervising unique art publications further illustrate his philosophy. He used these platforms to delve into themes like death, the moon, and literary figures like Oscar Wilde, suggesting a view of art as a medium for philosophical and existential exploration. His works often carry a narrative or thematic depth, connecting art to broader human experiences and literary traditions.

In summary, Christos Theofilis's philosophy on art and life centers around the authenticity of the artist's expression, resilience against life's obstacles, and a commitment to an independent artistic vision that transcends commercial considerations. His life story and artistic output serve as a testament to a philosophy where art is both a reflection of, and a guide to, living a life true to one's self.