What do you know about Engonopoulos?
What do you know about Engonopoulos?
By Maria Chondrokouki
The idea for this particular thesis arose from the observation that, despite its importance, Nikos Engonopoulos remains largely unknown to the younger generation. His physiognomy and work no longer possess the visibility that one would expect for an artist of this scope. This realization led to the formation of an "ode" to Engonopoulos, with the aim of highlighting his multifaceted creative identity and actively inviting the new audience to rediscover it.
The paper took the form of a digital website entitled "What do you know about Engonopoulos?", which served as a presentation space and as an invitation to participate in the conference that took place on May 5 at Panteion University. The project started from a digital visual collage created through the Canva platform, where poems and paintings by Engonopoulos were combined with his most iconic photograph. This collage formed the core of the poster designed, in which a QR code was incorporated leading directly to the website. The posters were placed in central points of the city and were also distributed during the workshop.
The website includes all aspects of the artist: information about his painting and poetic work, his scenographic and costume design activity, his teaching presence at the National Technical University of Athens, as well as information from his personal life. Reference is also made to the criticism that his work received, to his artistic self-references and to his love affair with Lena Tsiokou, imprinted through his correspondence. This choice aimed at presenting the entirety of his creative and human existence.
The methodological approach was based on the use of archival material, which was combined with digital platforms (Canva for the poster and Wix website editor for the website). Through text, image, audio documents and digital interaction, the aim was to highlight the complexity and topicality of Engonopoulos' work. The aim was on the one hand to inform and raise awareness of an audience that may not know the artist, and on the other hand to promote participation in the scientific conference in his honor.
In this way, the paper attempts to show how the utilization of archival evidence with modern tools can reintroduce an artistic form of the 20th century to the audience of the 21st century, illuminating again the importance of the presence of Nikos Engonopoulos.
2. Theoretical and historical context
2.1 Biographical and creative elements
Nikos Engonopoulos (Athens, 21 October 1907 – 31 October 1985) was one of the central figures of Greek surrealism, excelling at the same time in poetry, painting and applied arts. He studied at a high school in Paris (1923-1927), which allowed him to come into direct contact with the European artistic currents of the time. Returning to Greece, he worked first as a translator and then as a designer at the Ministry of Public Works (1930-1933).
In 1932 he enrolled at the Athens School of Fine Arts, where he studied with Konstantinos Parthenis, while at the same time he collaborated with Fotis Kontoglou. His contact with artists and intellectuals such as Dimitris Pikionis and Yannis Tsarouchis shaped his artistic vision. In 1938 he published his first collection of poems, "Don't Talk to the Guide", followed in 1944 by Bolívar, a work that is considered a landmark of Greek poetry. In painting, his first solo exhibition took place in 1939, marking his entry into the visual arts with works that combined surrealism with elements of Byzantine and folk art.
His creativity was not limited to literature or painting. He was a professor at the National Technical University of Athens, was involved in scenography and costume design, while he was strongly present in the shaping of the artistic life of the 20th century in Greece.
2.2 Connection with Surrealism and Artistic Currents
Surrealism, as a movement that emerged in France in the 1920s, focused on the unconscious, dreaming, and free associative expression. Engonopoulos was one of the pioneers in the introduction of electricity in Greece, along with Andreas Embiricos. From the very first moment of his artistic presence, Engonopoulos identified himself as a surrealist, a fact that sparked a substantial debate about the kind of surrealism he represents: whether it is an authentic or a "Greek" version of the movement, adapted to the cultural particularities of the country.
His poetry and painting utilized techniques such as polysemy and associative writing, parody and collage, not as an imitation of the French Surrealists, but through an intertextual relationship with poets such as Baudeleire and Lautréamont. At the same time, his visual works combine ancient Greek and Byzantine motifs through surrealism, reminiscent of a Greek version of De Chirico, with the dreamy, the irrational and the automatic as basic elements.
Its particularity lies in the way in which it gave a Greek character to the international current of surrealism. He dared to place figures without clear characteristics in familiar but indeterminate environments, which differentiates his work from the metaphysical depictions of the European surrealists. By incorporating mythological and historical references, with Bolívar as a typical example, he highlights a surrealism rooted in the Greek cultural context, capable of bridging the local tradition with global artistic currents.
2.3 Basic sources
The study of Engonopoulos' work was carried out through access to archival material, which was the fundamental source for understanding his artistic career. The investigation of his work was based on the literature available through his official website, studies on his poetry as well as Greek surrealism, and articles highlighting his importance in the visual field. In addition, his work has been included in anthologies and digital libraries, highlighting his presence in the modern era.
3. Detailed description of the creative project
3.1 Description of the project
The website is structured as a complete digital presentation of Nikos Engonopoulos, organized in a way that allows the visitor to approach his biography and work. Its structure follows a gradual narrative. It begins with an introduction and a brief presentation of the artist's life to place the visitor in context. Then, through the section "Let's discover every aspect of it", thematic stages are developed that highlight the multiple aspects of its creation.
The website includes some of his most important paintings, as well as a link to the entirety of his poetic work. Special reference is made to his love with Lena Tsiokou, as well as to the letters he sent her, which reveal the personal and emotional dimension of the artist. This section closes with the presentation of the story and the recorded recitation of the poem "On the Heights" that he had dedicated to her.
The website continues with testimonies of important persons, such as relatives, critics and colleagues, through which the reception and perception of his creation from his immediate environment and intellectual circle is highlighted, forming a more global picture of Engonopoulos, something that would not be possible with a strictly biographical approach. This is followed by the quotation of the artist's sayings, and concludes with an article dedicated to the criticism that his work received.
At the end of the website you will find all the information about the conference "Digital Archiving as a Means of Saving, Inspiring and Disseminating the Cultural Footprint: The Nikos Engonopoulos Archive" which was held on May 5 at Panteion University, while acting as an open call to the public
3.2 Analysis of the structure
The sequence and choice of material were dictated by the desire to create a narrative that would facilitate the visitor to get to know Nikos Engonopoulos on successive levels. The logic of the structure was based on progressive deepening, from the general and directly accessible (bibliography, visual works), to the more personal (letters, recordings). In this way, the visitor is not overwhelmed in the first place, but is led step by step to a more meaningful understanding.
The choice to precede the works of art was made from the certainty that the image functions as the most direct means of communication with a young audience. Correspondingly, the inclusion of the complete poetry collection through a link allowed free deepening for anyone interested in exploring his writing in depth. The decision to follow the letters to his wife and the poem On the Heights aimed to highlight the emotional side of Engonopoulos, highlighting the artist as a romantic person, with personal relationships and passions.
The testimonies of third parties were then placed to offer external perspectives that enhance the understanding of his work through the words of others. The quotes that followed encapsulate the artist's own thought, offering a sense of dialogue with the visitor. Finally, the section of the critique was consciously placed at the end, since the visitor has already got to know Engonopoulos through deeds, words and personal moments; He is thus called upon to see that his work has been judged and evaluated.
The choice to place the call in the workshop at the end of the website was intended to function as a physical closure of the narrative, providing the visitor with the opportunity to move from the digital acquaintance with the work to a physical and institutionally organized one.
3.3 Evaluation of the material and Examples with annotation
The selection of the material incorporated into the website was made with the aim of highlighting different aspects of Nikos Engonopoulos through images, poems, letters, recordings and sayings. The introductory photograph, the artist's most recognizable and emblematic, was chosen as the first point of reference, creating a direct visual connection and establishing his authority. The paintings presented combine personal choice and the pursuit of covering the wider interest of the public, as their most well-known and beloved works are included.
Among the paintings presented, a special place is occupied by the "Mediterranean Muse" (1984), the last painting by Nikos Engonopoulos before his death in 1985. At the center of the work dominates a curvy female figure, holding a red rose in her hand. This form, without individual characteristics, is part of Engonopoulos' typical iconography, where human figures emerge as archetypes rather than portraits. The choice of this painting has a double meaning: on the one hand, it allows the visitor to get to know the artist's later creation, and on the other hand, it captures his surrealistic language.
Furthermore, the presence of the poem "On Heights" and, above all, the possibility of listening to it by the poet himself, enhances the visitor's experience. The connection of literary creation with his love life allows the visitor to understand his art in direct relation to his personality.
Finally, his own text on the criticism he received offers a self-referential commentary on his place in the artistic world. Through this, the visitor gains access to his own voice in the face of the reactions caused by his work, a fact that enriches the artist's understanding and the perception of surrealism in Greece.
With these examples, the website is not limited to a simple quotation of material, but seeks to provoke a more substantial engagement with the work of Engonopoulos, connecting image, text and sound in a single interpretative framework.
4. Description of the Creative Process
4.1 Steps of the process
The creation of the website dedicated to Engonopoulos was based on a series of stages, which determined both her research and creative direction. Initially, a search and study of archival material was carried out. At the same time, the available literature, both printed and electronic, was used in order to provide the broader artistic and intellectual context in which the author is included.
After the material was collected, the process of sorting and selecting it followed, based on the multidimensional presentation of the artist. Particular emphasis was given to the distinction of thematic units, in order to highlight different aspects of Engonopoulos, depicting his artistic and human physiognomy.
The process then entered the planning stage. The aim was to create a functional, attractive and understandable environment, which would meet the needs of a young audience. In this context, a collage was initially created through the Canva platform, in which characteristic paintings, excerpts of poems and the most famous photograph of Nikos Engonopoulos were combined. This work functioned as the central visual element of the poster that was created for the promotion of the website. The final stage was the production of the website itself through the Wix Website Editor, where the selected material was integrated.
Particular emphasis was given to the aesthetic choices, as the aim was to attract new audiences. The use of bold color combinations and more informal fonts resulted in the projection of Engonopoulos' work in a more intimate and attractive environment, as the color palette is in line with the artist's surrealistic character. In this way, the visual presentation worked as a complement to the content.
Upon completion of the website, a QR code was created that corresponded to its online link. This code was incorporated into the poster's graphic design and, after printing, became the main means of disseminating the work through placement in central points of the city.
4.2 Technical Details
The creation of the project was based on the use of specific digital tools, which contributed decisively to the organization and aesthetics of the result. Canva was utilized as a basic medium for creating visual material, such as collage and poster, allowing experimentation with image and text combinations. Wix Website Editor was the main platform for building and managing the website. Its choice is due to the ability it provides to unfamiliar users to create functional websites with beginner-friendly tools.
The website has been enriched with content that provides the visitor with a multi-layered experience. Specifically, images, poems, letters, audio material, quotes, the link to its official website, and an invitation to the conference held at Panteion University were included. The combination of these elements aimed to offer a spherical picture of Engonopoulos, highlighting both his artistic and human dimension. Through this composition, the aim was to create an experience that would lead the visitor to a deeper understanding of his personality and work, with the ultimate aim of generating interest for further research and deepening of his heritage.
4.3 Thoughts and feelings
The involvement in this work highlighted a gradual shift in the recruitment of Engonopoulos. Initially, the emphasis was placed on his value as a painter and poet, but then, through the study of his life and personal relationships, a more intimate and human dimension was revealed. His erotic expression, as reflected in his letters, highlighted Engonopoulos as a creator with a deep inner sensitivity, a fact that strengthened the emotional connection with the artist.
This process turned the creation of the website into an experience that went beyond simple research engagement. It cultivated a sense of intimacy with the artist and reinforced the desire to transmit this image to others, especially to younger generations who are often unaware of its existence and significance.
4.4 Difficulties and ways to overcome
The course of the creative process was not always smooth. The first difficulty was the absence of previous experience in web development, which delayed the progress of the work. The Wix platform, although designed for novice users, required familiarization time, resulting in a significant portion of the effort being devoted to learning how to manage it.
An equally important problem was the limited bibliography for Engonopoulos. The lack of sources made it difficult to gather material and underlined the need for careful cross-checking and documentation of the data already available, as in some cases inaccuracies were found. The cross-checking of data and the search for reliable sources were a necessary prerequisite for maintaining the scientific validity of the website.
The overcoming of these difficulties was achieved through continuous research, systematization and readjustment of the strategy. Gradual familiarity with Wix has led to its creative utilization with greater ease, while careful sourcing has boosted the site's credibility. This process underlined the necessity of combining technical skills, research methodicality and creative initiative.
5. Conclusions
5.1 Personal impact of the process
Dealing with the archive was an experience that went beyond the character of academic work. He highlighted the value of multidimensional creativity, revealing that art is not an unambiguous activity, but can extend to multiple fields, as Engonopoulos was a typical example of an artist who was not limited to a single role, but managed to create a rich and heterogeneous world. This fact highlights art as a field of freedom, where the artist is not defined exclusively by a profession, but by his willingness to seek new ways of expression. Consequently, this process was not limited to the production of a work, but also worked at the level of personal cultivation.
5.2 New queries that have arisen
Dealing with the work and life of Nikos Engonopoulos paved the way for a series of new questions. One of the most basic concerns the presence of corresponding creators in modern times. Who are the artists of our generation who dare to question boundaries, to move beyond stereotypes, and to create a multidimensional work, like that of Engonopoulos?
Combined with this question, the question was raised as to whether contemporary creators are recognized in their time or whether, as happened with Engonopoulos, time needs to pass in order to appreciate their value. Artistic avant-garde is often accompanied by rejection or indifference, and Engonopoulos' study is a reminder of how fragile the relationship between artist and audience can be.
These questions do not find easy answers, but they constitute a fertile field for further reflection and study. Mainly, they show that contact with an archive can serve as a starting point for new dialogues around art, the artist and society.
5.3 Contribution of the creative approach
The creative approach of an artistic work allows for its in-depth understanding, beyond the limits of theoretical analysis. In the case of Nikos Engonopoulos, the work served as an occasion for a more personal and experiential relationship with the artist.
Dealing with the multiple aspects of his life and work in the context of a creative work required multifaceted research, which contributed to highlighting aspects of his personality that often remain invisible through traditional study. This process led to the formation of a relationship of intimacy with the artist, which contributed to the final result acting as a means of meaningful acquaintance with Engonopoulos
5.4 Proposals for the development of the project
At the final stage of the creative process, the choice chosen was not to have a continuation of this website in its current form, for reasons related to personal choices and values. This decision relates to issues concerning the operating framework of the platform where the website is hosted, which was deemed not to be in line with the values that should frame such a creative effort.
The non-continuation of this version does not negate the importance of the preceding process, on the contrary, it highlights the importance of critical reflection on the relationship between artistic and research works and the technological tools that support them. As an alternative, the transfer of the website to a different platform that better meets the requirements of a value-compatible environment could be considered. In this way, the operation of the website can continue, the expansion of the content and its possible utilization in an educational context.
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