A rare and highly collectible original exhibition catalogue created by one of Greece’s most celebrated twentieth-century artists, Alekos Fassianos (1935–2022), for his 1976 exhibition at Galerie Kammer in Hamburg, Germany.
Far more than a conventional exhibition catalogue, this remarkable publication was conceived entirely by Fassianos himself. Every page—from the expressive drawings to the handwritten text and exhibition chronology—was created by the artist before being faithfully reproduced by the gallery without editorial intervention. The result is a publication that feels much closer to an artist’s personal sketchbook than to a traditional exhibition catalogue.
The textured cover bears one of Fassianos’ iconic profile drawings of a smoking figure, a motif that became synonymous with his instantly recognizable visual language. Inside are eleven original drawings, accompanied by handwritten notes and an exhibition history rendered in Fassianos’ own hand.
Significantly, the title “Φασιανός σχέδια” (“Fassianos Drawings”) remains untranslated, reflecting the gallery’s deliberate decision to preserve the artist’s authentic visual and linguistic identity for an international audience.
Published during Fassianos’ early international success, the catalogue documents an important stage in his growing reputation within the West German art scene. It also embodies the artistic philosophy of the 1970s, when contemporary art sought intimacy and accessibility rather than luxury or exclusivity. The booklet’s modest format and sketchbook aesthetic invite the viewer directly into the artist’s creative process.
Today, original Fassianos exhibition catalogues from this formative period are considerably scarcer than later museum publications and are increasingly sought after by collectors of Modern Greek art and twentieth-century European exhibition ephemera.
Artist
Alekos Fassianos (1935–2022) ranks among the most influential figures of modern Greek art. His unmistakable style combines elements of ancient Greek mythology, Byzantine iconography, and contemporary urban life through simplified forms, bold outlines, and lyrical compositions. His works are represented in major museums and important private collections worldwide.
Bibliographical Details
Artist: Alekos Fassianos (1935–2022)
Title: Φασιανός σχέδια (“Fassianos Drawings”)
Exhibition: Galerie Kammer, Hamburg
Place of Publication: Hamburg, Germany
Year: 1976
Language: Greek
Format: Softcover exhibition catalogue
Pages: 30
Illustrations: 12 drawings by the artist (including the cover)
Dimensions: 17 cm × 12 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition.
The catalogue remains clean and complete, with crisp interior pages and only light shelf wear to the covers consistent with careful preservation. The binding is firm and all pages remain bright and fully legible.
Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
