“George Zongolopoulos – Unity and Multiplicity” at Sianti Gallery

Sianti Gallery, in collaboration with the George Zongolopoulos Foundation, presents on October 10, 2025, an exhibition dedicated to the eminent sculptor and painter George Zongolopoulos, marking twenty years since his passing.

George Zongolopoulos (1903–2004) was an artist of international renown who devoted his life to integrating art into public space, leaving behind emblematic works that shaped both the urban landscape and modern Greek sculpture. As noted by Thanassis Moutsopoulos in his curatorial text, Zongolopoulos played a pivotal role in establishing abstraction in Greece. From monumental interventions in Omonia and Syntagma Squares to the iconic Umbrellas in Thessaloniki and major monuments such as The Dance of Zalongo, he rendered art an inseparable part of citizens’ everyday experience.

The exhibition “George Zongolopoulos – Unity and Multiplicity” highlights the artist’s continuous evolution-from the strict geometric compositions of the 1960s to the kinetic sculptures with light and water of the 1970s and 1980s-while also presenting his paintings, lesser-known to the wider public, alongside small-scale sculptures and multiples that broaden the scope of his artistic production.

The collaboration with the George Zongolopoulos Foundation is a particular honor and responsibility for Sianti Gallery, as it enables the presentation of a representative selection of works that offers the public a comprehensive view of the artist-from the landmark public works that defined Athens’ urban identity to his poetic explorations with water, sound, and light.

In this way, the exhibition seeks to highlight Zongolopoulos not only as a pioneer of Greek abstraction, but also as an artist who consistently remained open to the intellectual challenges of his time, creatively bridging tradition and innovation.

For Sianti Gallery, hosting this exhibition is both a recognition of Zongolopoulos’ enduring significance and an invitation to revisit his contemporary relevance: to reflect on the relationship between art and the city, and to draw inspiration from the vision of a creator who transformed freedom, audacity, and perpetual exploration into art.

As part of the exhibition, guided tours for the public will be organized, along with educational programs for children, aiming to bring younger generations into direct contact with the work and legacy of the artist.

Giorgos Zongolopoulos brought his art into the public space.

“Olympic Circles”

This 15-meter-high sculpture was installed in 2001 at the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos.” Its title refers to the symbol of the Olympic Games, while similar works can be found at the entrance of the Athens Concert Hall, at the National Glyptotheque, and at the Psychiko Open-Air Sculpture Gallery.

” Umbrellas “

This 13-meter-high sculpture was first presented at the Venice Biennale in 1995 and was installed in 1997 on the Thessaloniki waterfront as part of the city’s designation as European Capital of Culture. Since then, it has become a landmark of the city.

” Void and Sphere “

Constructed from metal, this work conveys a sense of abstract, contemporary composition through delicate rods.

The exhibition is held with the Communication Sponsor COSMOTE TV, which consistently supports initiatives that highlight culture and Greek creativity.
The wines served at the opening night are generously offered by Georgios Lafazanis.