A retrospective of the paintings of George Michael Korniotis show it is a true shame he only worked for six years. ELENI ANTONIOU gets a sneak preview
YOU’RE only famous when you are dead is an expression that is particularly apt in the case of local naïve artist George Michael Korniotis, whose work is the subject of an exhibition opening this week, which is accompanied by a lavish guide.
As I read the introduction of the book, written by a close personal friend, I was touched by the fact that this old man started painting at the age of 72 and at some point was even laughed at. Little did he and others know that these paintings would be admired as masterpieces years later.
Stories of a tough childhood are told about animal slaughtering and Korniotis’ lack of education, as his father did not have 30 cents to pay for books. Although I realise that in the 1920s life must have been hard, it is still very difficult for me to grasp the fact that George Korniotis’ brightly coloured paintings depict anything other than the happy lives of the people in them.
This guy had a number of jobs throughout his lifetime, ranging from shepherd to builder to waiter but one visit to an art exhibition at the age of 72 brought out the talent within. I couldn’t believe it! All his life he had struggled working, running after sheep in the fields only to fit his passion for painting into the last six years of his life; he died at 78.
The exhibition includes 40 paintings of which most represent life in the village, with men Naïve paintings can be unnerving on first perusal but look deeper and Korniotis’ work with all its large heads, skinny arms and tiny feet is extremely accurately drawn with his use of colour adding to the clarity.
George Korniotis first presented his pieces during an exhibition in Lefkara, which was then moved to the EKATE Artists’ House in Nicosia, where he presented 34 paintings. Although at the time, and probably even now, some people may hesitate to go and see a painting by a man who has no background in art, there is almost definitely something valuable about these pieces. This man has touched me with his paintings and it would be a shame for any culture vulture on the island to miss the chance to see them for themselves.
n George Michael Korniotis at Kypriaki Gonia Gallery, Larnaca. Opening on Wednesday by Lefkara Mayor Sophocles Sophocleous at 7.30 pm. The exhibition runs until July 3. Opening hours Monday to Sunday 10am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm (closed Thursday mornings). For more info: Tel 24 621109, www.gallerykypriakigonia.com.cy
