TAKIS

Panayiotis Vassilakis, known as Takis, was a pioneering Greek sculptor and kinetic artist whose innovative contributions have significantly impacted contemporary art. Born in Athens in 1925, Takis's early life was shaped by the political turmoil of World War II and the Greek Civil War, experiences that influenced his artistic exploration of energy, magnetism and the invisible forces of the universe. In the 1950s, he moved to Paris, where he was inspired by avant-garde movements and began experimenting with new materials, leading to the creation of his iconic series, Signals.

Takis's exploration of magnetic fields became a defining aspect of his work. He created his first magnetic sculptures in 1959, using magnets to suspend metal objects, which evolved into his renowned Télésculptures. These dynamic pieces invited viewer interaction, challenging traditional notions of sculpture and emphasizing the relationship between art and technology. His work gained international recognition, particularly after his participation in the influential 1960 exhibition “Motion in Vision - Vision in Motion” in New York, which solidified his position among the pioneers of kinetic art.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Takis continued to innovate by collaborating with scientists and engineers, leading to the creation of sound sculptures called Musicales. These works explored the interplay between visual art and music, enhancing the sensory experience for viewers. Beyond his artistic creations, Takis was a passionate advocate for artists' rights, famously protesting against the commercialization of art by removing a sculpture from the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1969.

Takis received numerous accolades during his career, participating in prestigious exhibitions like Documenta and the Venice Biennale. In 1986, he established the Takis Foundation in Athens, which focuses on the intersection of art and science. Takis passed away on August 9, 2019, leaving a legacy that challenges us to consider the unseen forces that shape our reality and inspires ongoing exploration in the realms of art and technology.