nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika, a renowned greek painter, sculptor, engraver, writer, and academic, was born on february 26, 1906, in athens, greece. his family's legacy in the greek war of independence of 1821 significantly influenced his early life. between 1918-1922, his family recognized his artistic potential, leading to his study under the artist parthenis.
**artistic development and exhibitions**
in 1922, hadjikyriakos-ghika enrolled in a sorbonne university course for french literature and aesthetics, simultaneously attending académie ranson for painting and engraving studies.
his first exhibition at the société des artistes indépendants (salon des indépendants) in 1923 marked the beginning of his prolific career.
notably, picasso commented on his work, further solidifying his presence in the french art scene.
**collaborations and teaching**
in 1934, he shared an exhibition with sculptor michael tombros, significantly impacting the athenian art world.
between 1936-1937, he collaborated on the periodical "trito mati (the third eye)" with poet papatzonis, architect dimitris pikionis, and theatrical director sokratis karantinos.
in 1941, he was elected professor of drawing at the national technical university of athens, a position he held until 1958.
**international recognition**
in 1946, the british council in athens arranged his first retrospective exhibition, featuring 42 paintings.
in 1949, he formed the "armos" art group with fellow artists yiannis moralis, yannis tsarouchis, nikos nikolaou, and panayiotis tetsis.
he represented greece at the 25th venice biennale in 1950, exhibiting 17 canvases.
nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika's profound impact on greek art, his pioneering role in cubism, and his extensive international recognition solidify his position as a leading figure in 20th-century art.
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