Marking the centenary of the birth of Giorgos Ioannou (1926–2017) this exhibition is the first significant presentation of the artist’s work in the UK. Focusing on works produced between the late 1960s and 1970s - a period shaped by the Greek military dictatorship - these distinctive works explore the political undercurrents that emerged in Ioannou’s practice during that time. Although exceptionally prolific in Greece, Ioannou’s work remains relatively unknown in the UK. This exhibition introduces his striking paintings to a wider international audience, highlighting his creative vision as well as his passion for democracy and human rights.

Throughout his career, Ioannou developed a rich and varied visual language, becoming particularly renowned for his use of pop art and comic-book imagery. Although his work evolved in parallel with, and independently of, American Pop Art, he should not be understood simply as a Greek Pop artist. His paintings weave together personal memory, political trauma, nostalgia, folk traditions and autobiography, resulting in a deeply individual artistic vision.

It was during the years of the Greek military junta that Ioannou established his distinctive visual language. While engaging with the imagery and visual vocabulary of pop art, he remained firmly committed to interrogating the social and political realities of his time. Ioannou operated within a climate of censorship, yet the immediacy and accessibility of his approach enabled him to engage directly with the political climate of the period, articulating his concerns with clarity and urgency.

Many of the works included in this exhibition were first shown during the years of the dictatorship. Despite his opposition to the regime, Ioannou continued to exhibit widely throughout the period, including the Greek Pavilion at the 1970 Venice Biennale, at the height of the regime.

The exhibition is accompanied by a small publication and a programme of events, including an in-conversation with the artist’s son, artist Dimitris Ioannou and Kostas Stasinopoulos, Director of Exhibitions and Programmes at KYKLOS, moderated by independent critic, historian and curator Andrew Wilson.

Lead sponsor Alpha Bank London. With support from the Onassis Foundation and The Panayotis & Effie Michelis Foundation.

Giorgos Ioannou Archive/Collection is represented by Kalfayan Galleries, Athens.

The exhibition will be open 8 October - 19 November.

Opening hours:

Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00–17:00

Thursday: 11:00–20:00

Frieze London 2026 Hours:

Monday 12 – Sunday 18 October: 11:00–17:00

with extended hours on Thursday 15 October: 11:00 – 20:00

Image:

Giorgos Ioannou

Turning Up, In memory 1970

oil on linen

100 x 70 cm

Courtesy Giorgos Ioannou Archive/Collection and Kalfayan Galleries, Athens

Contact the host of Exhibition Private View - Giorgos Ioannou’s Works 1960s - 1970s