Erotic
Yiannis Moralis, born in Greece in 1916 is celebrated for his profound impact on Greek art. After his early studies at the School of Fine Arts in Athens, and further education in Rome and Paris, Moralis returned to Greece in 1939 to join the army during World War II. His artistic journey continued as he became a professor at the School of Fine Arts in Athens in 1947, a position he held until his retirement in 1983. Alongside his influential teaching, Moralis left a significant mark with his work in painting, theatre design, and architecture. He was honored with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Phoenix in 1965 and the Arts and Letters award in 1979, with his works housed in numerous prestigious collections.
Among his most cherished works are the Erotic, a series that spans nearly three decades yet feels timeless. Initiated in the mid-1970s and continuing until the end of his career, these pieces are unified by a common inspiration drawn from feminine forms. Moralis employs a restrained color palette and a graphic approach, veiling intense erotic encounters within abstract compositions. The geometric and contrasting curves evoke both ancient Cycladic art and a primordial sensuality, revealing his deep and enduring exploration of human intimacy through a modernist lens.
