May 2025
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.
