Demetrios Galanis sets up a solo exhibition at Iliou Melathron

By comparison, Dimitris Galanis (1879-1966) is for the art of the 1930s what Nikolaos Gyzis is for the 19th century. Just as Gyzis was established as an artist in Munich, a professor in the legendary Academy, Galanis was established in the artistic scene of Paris. In essence, he acquainted himself with the top artists of the time (Derain, Matisse, etc.,) he was an active member of the Parisian avant-garde, he pioneered in the field of engraving and succeeded professionally with his appointment as professor at the engraving department of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Just as Gyzis in Munich, Galanis functioned as a beacon for young artists in Paris, teaching and helping young Greek artists who went to Paris for graduate studies. His reputation is the reason for the transition of the German-influenced Greek art to the French artistic pursuits at the beginning of the 20th century. Furthermore, his solo exhibition at "IliouMelathron" (1928) had a high impact on the substantiation of engraving as a dynamic medium which, through the teachings of Galanis, led to international fame and prizes for artists such as Tassos, Katraki, Grammatopoulos, etc.