Aristidis Vlassis, Peiraios Street 1915

The composition

In Peiraios Street 1915 Aristidis Vlassis captures a scene in the industrial area of Peiraios Street. In the foreground, he places forms of everyday people, such as mothers with their children, workers and military men, as well as allegorical figures, including a naked woman. Behind them, factories, scaffolding and smoking chimneys emerge.

The realistic composition is marked by:

• Earthy hues, creating a warm atmosphere.
• A strict geometry, adding stability to the entire composition.

A piece marked by symbolism

The element of symbolism is prominent in this work by Aristidis Vlassis. Through the forms he creates, he seeks to portray various aspects of life, as well as different social classes.

On the background walls, to the left and right of the factories, he places 2 shields with Ancient Greek representations. Combined with the industrial landscape, the presence of the shields adds a sense of timelessness and connection between the past and the present.

His life in a nutshell

Aristidis Vlassis (1947-2015) was born in Heraklion, Crete. He never received formal artistic training. He pursued independent studies in painting under painter Androgios Alexandridis. In 1994 he left Crete to settle in Athens, where he remained for the rest of his life.

Apart from his rich work in painting, Aristidis Vlassis also designed covers for books, studies, poetry collections and albums.

A recognised artist

Despite facing mobility disability, Aristidis Vlassis was highly productive and carved out a brilliant artistic career.

Some of his works are featured in major museum and private collections in Greece, such as the Hellenic Parliament, the National Gallery, the Heraklion Art Gallery, the Teloglion Foundation of Art, etc. Others are exhibited in significant galleries in France and Belgium.

Vlassis held 23 solo exhibitions in Greece and abroad, and participated in 16 group exhibitions.

In 1993 the Municipality of Heraklion honoured him for his entire artistic contribution with the Kazantzakis Award.

Artistic influences

Aristidis Vlassis’ artistic idiom was influenced by:

• Greek iconographic tradition as shaped by Theophilos, Yannis Tsarouchis, Spyros Vassiliou and Alekos Fassianos.
• Realistic style

Favourite themes and artistic style

Humans and every aspect of their lives are at the centre of Aristidis Vlassis’ art. In his works, he often depicts men, women and children in their finest clothes or special outfits, couples in the countryside, and families. He places his figures in squares, ports or in front of monumental buildings, and captures them in poses that bring old family photos to mind.

The dominating features of his artistic style are:

• Strict geometry
• Earthy hues
• Realistic representation of the forms

The Alpha Bank Art Collection is not open to the public.

You may visit the work Peiraios Street 1915 by Aristidis Vlassis by appointment. Contact us to book your visit.