Interview with George Androutsos: Artist on the Rise

George Androutsos was born and raised in Athens, Greece. He studied painting at the School of Fine Arts in Thessaloniki, received MA in History of Philosophy from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and holds a Ph.D. in Aesthetics from National Technological University of Athens.  Since 2013, George Androutsos has exhibited in a number of institutions, art galleries, and has taken part in art projects around the world. It worths to name a few. Firstly, the Espace Christiane Peugeot in Paris, France and the Ex Aurum Museum in Pescara, Italy; Secondly, the Artbox Project in New York, USA, and the Shonan International Fine Art Exhibition in Chigasaki-shi, Japan; Finally, the Art Project “Portrait” in Madrid, Spain and the Mediolanum Museum in Padova, Italy.   Moreover, he has participated in international Biennial of drawings like Pilsen Biennial of Drawing in Czech Republic, Osten Biennial of Drawing in Skopje, and 17th Interbifep Biennial of Portrait in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

I have started painting under guidance since my adolescence, in the cultural center of the area where I was living. Subsequently, I studied visual arts at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki/Greece, and after that, I started working as an art teacher in elementary school. In the meantime, I dealt with completely different cognitive objects which, however, helped me to form the image I have of the world. Since 2013, I have participated in numerous group exhibitions, Biennials of drawing, and art projects, internationally. Last but not least, I have exhibited in a number of institutions, museums and got a solo exhibition in Paris, France.

I usually draw faces in an abstract way using pencil, charcoal, and chalk on paper. I chose this manner of expression because I believe that it represents the fundamental conflict; black and white, the empty space, and the complete.  All of these are perpetually interweaved in the artwork, seeking completion. What attracts me to the faces is their dynamic expression. It is the part of the body that reveals so many things about the person, his psyche and the way he perceives the world. After all, it is no coincidence that 4 of our 5 senses are in our head and especially in our face.

All the faces I paint come from my imagination. Only certain movements arise by studying people. A look, a grimace, an expression, anything fleeting or small and insignificant, can become an occasion for creation.

As many as I can, hard to choose.