The National Gallery in Athens honours the centenary of Panayiotis Tetsis (1925–2016) with a comprehensive retrospective titled The Obsession of the Gaze, running until 31 October 2025. Curated by Efi Agathonikou, the exhibition showcases 160 works spanning Tetsis’s prolific career, including paintings, engravings, watercolours, and pastels. Notably, 96 of these pieces come from the National Gallery’s collection, generously donated by the artist himself, while 64 are on loan from private collections and foundations.
Tetsis, a pivotal figure in modern Greek art, was known for his vibrant use of colour and light, capturing everyday scenes with emotional depth. The exhibition features his iconic Street Market series, luminous seascapes of Hydra and Sifnos, portraits, still lifes, and his renowned “Black” works, which explore the interplay of intense sunlight and colour.
Rejecting a strict chronological arrangement, the exhibition invites visitors to experience Tetsis’s artistic evolution organically, reflecting his belief that art transcends temporal boundaries. This approach offers an intimate glimpse into the artist’s psyche, emphasizing his enduring commitment to capturing the essence of his subjects.
The Obsession of the Gaze not only celebrates Tetsis’s artistic legacy but also underscores his significant contributions as an educator and cultural figure in Greece. His generous donations and lifelong dedication to art continue to inspire and influence the Greek art scene.
The 8th Art Thessaloniki International Contemporary Fair will be held from May 15–18, 2025, at TIF-HELEXPO in Thessaloniki. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the fair is a hub for contemporary art from Greece, the Balkans, and beyond. It features a wide variety of artworks including painting, sculpture, and photography. The event promotes young talent through the Young Artists Awards, offering prizes to artists under 33, and supports unaffiliated creators via the Independent Artists project. Art Thessaloniki has become a major meeting point for collectors, galleries, and creatives across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
The Greek Ministry of Culture has initiated the restoration and enhancement of the monumental Agora at the archaeological site of Dion, a significant cultural and historical landmark in Macedonia. Overseen by the Pieria Antiquities Ephorate, the project aims to preserve and promote this central hub of ancient civic life, which once housed public buildings, baths, and an odeon. The first phase is nearing completion, with subsequent stages planned for later this year. Recent upgrades include a renovated entrance, a new gift shop, and a refreshment area, enhancing the visitor experience. This initiative underscores Greece's commitment to safeguarding its rich heritage for future generations.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has repatriated a 7th-century B.C. bronze griffin head to Greece. Stolen nearly a century ago, the artifact was returned to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni hailed the return as a significant moment, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between Greece and the Met in tracing the artifact's provenance. The griffin, symbolizing strength and divine protection in ancient Greece, will be displayed alongside a similar piece already housed in the Olympia museum. This repatriation reflects a broader trend of museums worldwide returning significant cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.
