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Michalis Arfaras, Butterfly

Butterfly is a mixed technique piece, part of a wider category of the artist’s works, where he puts an animal at the centre and transforms it in an original manner, through his own, unique view. To achieve the desired result, he combined various techniques, such as coloured linoleum, chalcography and silkscreen printing.

Animal and insect representations

Butterfly was created by Michalis Arfaras.

It is part of a wider category of works where the artist puts an animal at the centre and transforms it in an original manner, through his own, unique view.

Coloured and black-and-white form

The piece is divided into 2 zones. Alternating between the coloured and black-and-white form intensifies the surrealist element and unique style of the composition.

Arfaras’ artistic style

The piece exhibits the main elements of Arfaras’ works:

Strong outlines
Bold colours
Surrealist undertone

Mixed technique

Various techniques were uniquely combined to create this piece:

Coloured linoleum
Chalcography
Silkscreen printing

His life in a nutshell

Michalis Arfaras was born in Athens in 1954. He studied Drawing and Painting at the Athens School of Fine Arts (1972-1974). He continued his studies at the Braunschweig University of Art (HBK) in Germany (1975-1980). There he specialised in engraving, book art and animated films.

He was a professor at the University of Hildesheim near Hanover (1988-2006). In 2006 he was appointed professor of Engraving at the Athens School of Fine Arts.

He has written books and edited art publications.

Artistic style

Arfaras was one of the first modern artists that did not hesitate to work almost exclusively in engraving. He also focused on engraving from his position as a professor at the Athens School of Fine Arts.

Right from the start, Arfaras developed a highly experimental and genuinely personal character. His works are typified by diverse, whimsical applications, as well as a combination of multiple engraving and printing techniques.

During the 1990s, he presented some peculiar, grotesque assemblages. He created them with the help of an eclectic array of objects, which co-exist in unexpected gatherings and bring to mind human-like idols/totems.

Experimentations and variations

Experimentation and continuous trials in engraving techniques form an integral part of his work. Another fundamental element of Arfaras’ art is the variety of the technical media that he uses.

His art includes, either as standalone pieces or as combinations:

Relief printing, such as woodcut and linoleum cut.
Intaglio printing, such as chalcography and aquatint.
Planographic printing, such as lithography.

Relationship with experimental cinema

Arfaras developed a close relationship with experimental cinema.

He started working on experimental films in 1987 from his studio in Hanover. His cinematography interacts with his visual art works. His work encompasses different engraving techniques, along with painting, drawing, collages and other mixed media.

A recognised artist

Since 1979 Arfaras has exhibited his works in solo exhibitions, held at art galleries and museums in Greece and Europe. He has participated in numerous international art Biennales and experimental film festivals. His works are featured in many international collections.

Michalis Arfaras at Alpha Bank

The Alpha Bank Art Collection also includes the following works by the artist, such as:

Bibliographical references

The piece Butterfly is featured in the publication Michalis Arfaras, Engraving and Print Art, (in Greek) Metaichmio, Athens (2008).

The work Butterfly by Michalis Arfaras hangs at HUB 26 in Thessaloniki.

Visits can be arranged upon request, only for researchers. Contact us to book your visit.

Michalis Arfaras, Butterfly