Jannis Kounellis is a Greek-Italian sculptor, painter, and installation artist who was a key figure in the Arte Povera movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Piraeus, Greece in 1936, Kounellis moved to Italy in 1956 and studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome. His early works were characterized by a use of everyday materials such as coal, wool, coffee, and found objects, often arranged in stark, minimalist compositions that challenged traditional notions of art and value. As his career progressed, Kounellis began to incorporate more organic elements into his installations, such as live animals, fire, and smoke, creating immersive and sensorial experiences that explored themes of transformation, energy, and the passage of time. His works often engaged with the history and culture of the spaces in which they were installed, creating a dialogue between the artwork, the viewer, and the surrounding environment. Kounellis's influence can be seen in the work of subsequent generations of artists who have embraced the use of unconventional materials and the integration of art into everyday life. He continued to create and exhibit his work internationally until his death in 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential sculptors of the postwar era.
Jannis Kounellis, Arte Povera, Greek-Italian sculptor, installation art, unconventional materials, sensorial experiences, postwar art
Jannis Kounellis was a Greek-Italian artist known for his innovative and thought-provoking works of art. His artistic style was influenced by his early training as a painter, but he soon began to experiment with other mediums, including sculpture, installation, and performance art. Kounellis was a key figure in the Arte Povera movement, which emerged in Italy in the late 1960s and emphasized the use of everyday materials in art. Kounellis' works often incorporated unconventional materials, such as coal, steel, and live animals, to create powerful and evocative installations. He was interested in exploring the relationship between art and the environment, and many of his works were designed to be site-specific, taking into account the physical and cultural context of the space in which they were exhibited. Kounellis' art was deeply influenced by his experiences of war and displacement. He was born in Piraeus, Greece, in 1936, and his family was forced to flee to Athens during World War II. He later moved to Rome, where he studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti. His works often reflected his personal history, as well as broader political and social issues. Kounellis' legacy continues to inspire artists around the world, and his works are exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide. He passed away in 2017, but his contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated and studied.
Greek-Italian artist, Arte Povera movement, unconventional materials, site-specific, war and displacement, personal history, political and social issues, legacy
CITATION : "James Hall. 'Jannis Kounellis.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=271221 (Accessed on July 17, 2025)"
Jannis Kounellis (1936-2017) was a leading Greek Conceptual and Performance artist of the late 20th century. He is best known for his installation artworks which often featured everyday objects such as fire, chairs, and rocks. Kounellis is particularly remembered for his dramatic, site-specific installations which he often crafted to manifest his beliefs in the political and social potentials of art. His works were often characterized by minimalism, focusing on the essential elements of art-making. Notable works include Twelve Horses (1969), in which Kounellis presented twelve live horses and their riders in a gallery setting, and Untitled (1973), an installation featuring a cauldron of fire, a table, and a bundle of rope.
Jannis Kounellis, Greek Artist, Conceptual Art, Installation Art, Performance Art, Minimalism
— Mei Wang
Jannis Kounellis is a renowned Greek artist whose work has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the world. His works explore the relationship between art, life, and architecture, often employing everyday objects and materials to create captivating pieces of art. His Twelve Horses installation is one of his most iconic works, featuring 12 real animals in the Arsenale di Venezia. His Untitled and Air, Earth, Water series also make powerful statements about humanity and the environment. Kounellis' use of materials such as wood, fabric, coal, and iron creates unique pieces that are timeless and captivating. His works have transcended beyond the confines of art, becoming symbols of cultural production and the power of imagination.
Jannis Kounellis, Greek artist, Twelve Horses, Untitled, Air, Earth, Water.
Jannis Kounellis is a renowned Greek artist, who has created a unique body of work that speaks to the power of imagination. His works, often involving everyday objects and materials, often explore the relationship between art, life and architecture. His works, such as the iconic 12 Horses series, combine a variety of mediums and techniques to create a unique aesthetic. Kounellis' work has made a lasting impression on the art world, and he is recognized as an important figure in modern art.
Jannis Kounellis, Greek artist, installation art, conceptual art, contemporary art, 12 Horses series
Jannis Kounellis is an Italian Artist of immense talent. His work transcends boundaries, combining classical elements of sculpture, painting and performance into thought-provoking and breathtaking pieces. During his illustrious career, he designed some of the most iconic works of art, including ‘Twelve Horses,’ where 12 real animals were placed in the Arsenale di Venezia, ‘Untitled’, featuring a horse in a cage of fire, and ‘Air, Earth, water’, where iron beds are placed in the gallery. His works make a powerful statement about humanity and the environment, bridging cultural divides and placing social issues at the forefront. Additionally, the artist’s use of materials like wood, fabric, coal and iron creates truly unique pieces, making Kounellis’ art timeless and captivating.
Jannis Kounellis, Italian Artist, Twelve Horses, Untitled, Air Earth Water, Arsenale di Venezia, Wood, Fabric, Coal, Iron.
Jannis Kounellis, the renowned Greek Artist, has been creating captivating pieces of art for decades. His abstract, minimalist pieces draw the viewer in and leave an lasting impression. One of his most iconic works is his Twelve Horses installations; this piece has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the world, captivating audiences with its powerful presence. His Recent Works series is similarly evocative, featuring a diverse selection of sculptures, installations and paintings that have become landmarks in the art world. Kounellis' works have transcended beyond the confines of art, becoming symbols of cultural production and the power of imagination.
Greek Artist, Jannis Kounellis, Abstract Art, Minimalism, Installation, Sculptures, Paintings.
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