Michalis Arfaras, House with cat

Animal representations

House with cat 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.

Arfaras’ artistic style

The piece exhibits the main elements of Arfaras’ artistic style:

• Strong outlines
• Bold colours
• Surrealist undertone

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:

• Elefant
• Butterfly

Bibliographical references 

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

The work House with cat by Michalis Arfaras hangs at HUB 26 in Thessaloniki.  

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