A Century of Innovation in Modern Art
This year marks the centenary of one of Greece’s most visionary artists, TAKIS (1925–2019), whose groundbreaking work continues to resonate within the global art world. As a pioneering figure of the post-war avant-garde, TAKIS redefined the boundaries of sculpture and installation art, fusing technology, nature, and sound into dynamic experiences that challenge traditional perceptions of space and matter.
Born Panayiotis Vassilakis in Athens, TAKIS embarked on a radical artistic journey that positioned him among the foremost innovators of the 20th century. His work is characterised by the inventive use of electromagnetism, light, and kinetic energy, transforming inert materials into vibrant, living phenomena. TAKIS’ sculptures are not merely objects to be observed; they are forces in motion, engaging audiences in an immersive dialogue between art and environment.
His fascination with invisible energies—magnetism, electricity, sound waves—pioneered new forms of artistic expression that anticipated later developments in installation art and interactive environments. In pieces such as his iconic “Signals” series, TAKIS harnessed electromagnetic fields to levitate metal rods, creating sculptures that defy gravity and invite viewers to reconsider the relationship between technology and nature.
Beyond their striking aesthetics, TAKIS’ works embody a philosophical inquiry into the unseen forces shaping our reality. His art reveals the interconnectedness of physical phenomena and human perception, inviting a contemplative engagement with the subtle energies permeating the world around us. This visionary approach aligns with broader modernist quests to transcend traditional mediums and embrace the sensory and conceptual possibilities of art.
John Lennon admired the Greek artist TAKIS and visited his exhibitions in London. In 1966, he bought one of TAKIS’ sculptures at the Indica Gallery, where he also met Yoko Ono for the first time, as revealed in a Rolling Stone interview with Jann Wenner. Lennon was fascinated by TAKIS’ electromagnetic sculptures, calling them “flashing lights” and frequently mentioning them in conversation. TAKIS’ influence extends well beyond Greece, inspiring generations of artists and thinkers interested in the intersections of science, technology, and creativity. Today, as we face rapid technological change and renewed questions about humanity’s place in nature, TAKIS’ work feels more relevant than ever. His legacy encourages us to perceive the invisible, embrace innovation, and engage with art as an active, transformative force.
On the occasion of his 100th birthday, we honour TAKIS not only as a pioneering Greek artist but as a timeless catalyst for artistic exploration and wonder. His visionary spirit continues to inspire, reminding us that art’s true power lies in its ability to reveal the unseen and to connect us with the energies that animate life itself.
A must Seen show: 100 Years Takis
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)
in collaboration with the Takis Foundation – Research Center for Art and the Sciences (KETE)
Thursday 22 May 2025 - Sunday 26 October 2025