Τakis: Cosmos In Motion

We’d call it the perfect duet. And the perfect way to welcome the return of the physical experience of art.

From 23 June until 7 November, a trove of iconic sculptures by the internationally-acclaimed visual artist Takis will ignite the public spaces of the SNFCC – a cultural beacon designed by another visionary: master architect, Renzo Piano.  

Deeply embedded in the post-war art scene of Paris, Athens-born Takis (real name: Panayiotis Vassilakis) and his electrified sculptures and magnetic installations spawned a new modernity of artistic expression. Over a seventy-year career, Takis created some of the twentieth century’s most intriguing and innovative artworks, such as his famous Signals series.

Now, two years after his death, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), in tandem with the Takis Foundation—Research Center for the Art and the Sciences, is staging this major retrospective,Τakis: Cosmos In Motion.

Forty-six of his representative works will be sprinkled across the public spaces of the SNFCC, from the Parklands to the Agora; introducing this fascinating artist to a new generation, as well as providing those already familiar with his work with a fresh take on its relevance.

Known as the Greek guru of kinetic art, Takis’ works depict a world in motion, and draw on concepts and experiences roving from scientific enquiry to ancient philosophy and spirituality.

Featured artworks include Takis’ emblematic Aeolians, Light Signals-Archimedes’ Screw, and Fireworks, as well as key pieces from his “Musicals”, “Magnetic Wall / The 4th Dimension”, “Spirals”, “Electrical Barrels”, “Flowers” and “Spheres” series. The SNFCC will also run parallel educational workshops for both children and adults.