By Catherine Tsounis
“We have a special exhibit of the folk artist Theofilos,” said the administrator of the Byzantine Museum of Makrinitsa, He lived many years in Makrinitsa, painting in exchange for food. He was an eccentric man in Greek foustanela costume. He was sympathetic to the Asia Minor refugees because he was born in Mytilene.” Theofilos Chatzimichail received international fame as the famous Greek folk artist after his death in 1934.
During a previous afternoon visit to Makrinitsa, I saw a mesmerizing exhibit on “The Saints of Theofilos.” Posters detailing his life described his history. For 30 years, he wandered the villages of Pelion, painting in both public and private places. His works depicted scenes from Byzantine, Greek, and religious history. Despite often being ridiculed, he persisted in his art. In 1926, he returned to Varya, Mytilene, where he spent the final years of his life. His genius as a folk artist significantly influenced Greek folk art of his time.
“We stopped by the home of Theophilos Chatzimichael in Karini,” explained Despina Siolas, MD/Ph.D., and Susan Atzchiger, tourists on a previous trip to Mytilene. “Theophilos lived in the hollow of a giant tree. His paintings adorn the walls of the local taverna. A picturesque fountain, bridge, and ducks are nearby.” Theophilos drew the themes for his paintings from traditional life, mythology, and folklore. He painted in coffee shops, houses, and churches in exchange for a plate of food. He died in extreme poverty from food poisoning. Theophilos was honored for his work posthumously, and a museum of his works is located in Varia, a suburb of Mytilene. The tourists enjoyed frappes and ravani at the local taverna decorated with Theophilos’ paintings.1
Theofilos’ works are now auctioned, providing financial gain to their owners. The Byzantine Museum of Makrinitsa had a moving tribute to this folk artist genius. Today, everyone knows Theophilos, the unique Greek folk artist.
Reference;
1. https://www.helleniccomserve.com/tsounismytilene17sep2013.html
Links:
https://makrinitsamuseum.gr/index.php/en/photo-archive/creations-of-theofilos-chatzimichail
https://www.shinygreece.com/post/theofilos-hatzimichail
