NeaProini Contributor Athena Dementas
Aspassio Haronitaki is a celebrated Greek artist that is acknowledged worldwide for his creative contributions. A graduate of the esteemed Ecole Nationale Superieure de Beaux-Arts de Paris (ENSBA) and Christian Boltanski & Annete Messager’s studio, his work has been shown in prestigious museums and art institutions and can be found in major private and public collections.
Living in Paris since 1989, his work has focused on the human body and medical imagery (X-ray, MRI). His latest work is the result of comprehensive research with a specialized team of collaborators, such as doctors, radiologists and technicians from General Electric (GE). His work has been selected on more than one occasion for the branding of high-profile companies as well.
In 1999, Jean Hubert Martin, a leading figure in the art world who served as the president of the Museum of Modern Art Centre Pompidou, recommended Haronitaki for the Biennale of Lyon, a prestigious celebration of contemporary cultural & social issues through performance, sculpture and installations.
From that moment his work has been exhibited in Italy at Museo di arte moderna e contemporanea, Mart Rovereto, and Palazzo Forti as well as Zacheta-National Gallery of Art in Warsaw, Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow, Culturgest Collection Caixa Geral de Depósitos in Lisbon, Mona – Museum of Old and New Art in Australia, and numerous Biennales such as Venice, Lyon, Moscow, Montenegro.
In 2003, Haronitaki’s work inspired the “Absolut Haronitaki” for ABSOLUT Vodka, an advertising campaign that made news headlines for six consecutive years. CNN produced an 8-minute film about his work, and he has been featured six times on the back cover of Time Magazine (international edition).
In the same year, he presented his portrait of French American artist Louise Bourgeois portrayed as a tiger. This portrait became a cult image of both the creator and the portrayed artist.
From there, he became the Ambassador at Large of the world’s best-selling champagne, Nicolas Feuillatte. Launching the representation and show, at Palais de Tokyo in Paris, he won the prestigious Artist of the Year 2009 award.
In addition to Prince Albert de Monaco, Ornella Muti, Patrick Bruel, Jean Claude Brialy, Lie Nothomb and more, he received the anointing of the Knight of Champagne in 2012.
In 2020, Haronitaki unveiled his thought-provoking Vanity of Balancing collection—an exploration of the human form through a series of bronze sculptures inspired by calisthenics.
These striking statues accentuate balance, strength, flexibility, and performance and are a modern nod to the classic Greek sculptures that have long celebrated the human body. Each piece captures a moment of tension and poise, inviting viewers to reflect on the deeper meanings of balance in our own lives.
At its core, balance represents the neutralization of opposing forces—a delicate harmony that, though not always obvious, is essential for navigating the complexities of life.
Haronitaki’s work goes beyond the physical equilibrium; it explores the concept of vanity, a pursuit of shallow victories or superficial balance.
He navigates how we often seek balance in ways that are driven by weakness or impatience, opting for quick fixes over lasting solutions. This work helps us to consider that chasing momentary rewards can cause us to overlook deeper truths.
Additionally, his various sculptures compare the unique meaning of balance in our individual lives while reminding us that balance is a dynamic process that requires ongoing effort and an understanding that the mind and body are intimately connected. The way we think, feel, and act shapes our ability to maintain harmony in our lives.
Aspassio Haronitaki’s career is a testament to his acute understanding of both form and concept, while his works continuously push the boundaries of art while engaging the human experience and all its complexities.
From his early education to his extensive international acclaim, Haronitaki’s artistry reflects an enduring commitment to exploring the intersection of the body, mind, and culture. Through his work, Haronitaki encourages us to find meaning in both the struggle and the stillness, reminding us that balance is a lifelong journey worth pursuing.
In a time where there is so much global turmoil, investing in our own wellbeing couldn’t be a more compelling pursuit. Enjoy these curated examples of his extraordinary work and if you’re like me, it’s easy to see that our Greek ancestors from past centuries also sought balance through the mind and body connection, too.
