Hainis Yannis (1930 - 2024)

He was born in Athens in 1930. At a young age (1943-1946) he studied under the painter Nikos Kartsonakis (Nakis). In 1947 he entered the Law School of the University of Athens, but his studies were interrupted when he was arrested for his political action. He studied for a time at the Athens School of Fine Arts and, since the early 1950s in Paris (Ecole des Beaux Arts, Grande Chaumiere and André Lhote academies).
His artistic career is closely related to his ideological commitment and activities developed in the broader cultural spectrum. In 1954 he took the initiative to establish the important magazine "Art Review. He remained a member of the editorial board until mid- 1957 when he resigned. At the same time, he was one of the key figures and founders of the “Art Group A”(1961-1967), which emphasized the educational and political role of art, by organizing exhibitions, artistic activities and open debates in Athens and other Greek cities, with the participation of many progressive artists. The group suggested a critical approach regarding the institutional role of art and the trade system of artworks, in order to communicate with the public outside conventional spaces. This view determined the attitude of many artists of the 1960s.
Since the beginning of his artistic career he was interested in the semiotic nature of art and the communication methods through signs. In his painting compositions he uses abstract geometric symbols, with an emphasis on rhythm and the relations between forms and color properties. He also created sculptures and reliefs, intended for public spaces. He has published articles and essays on art issues.
During the dictatorship (1967-1974), he sought exile in Paris, participated in anti-dictatorial movements and the May 1968 events. He joined the Front des Artistes Plasticiens (FAP) and presented his work in various cultural centers. He also participated in cultural intervention study committee with P. Gaudibert. When he returned to Greece, he remained true to his original views, refraining from the institutional spaces of art.
He presented his work in solo (1983: Athens Conservatory , 2013: Nea Ionia Cultural Center in Volos) and group exhibitions in Greece and France. He has also participated in exhibitions organized by the ‘Group 4+’. His retrospective exhibition was held at the Technopolis City of Athens in 2008.