Yannis Souvatzoglou, a Greek artist from the diaspora and the son of a cotton merchant, inherited his artistic talent from his mother, a portrait painter.

From a very young age, Yanni began experimenting with fabric painting, before transitioning into graphic design, where he became adept at industrial photographic reproduction, developing images with an almost three-dimensional quality. His skills in graphic arts provided a strong foundation for his artistic journey.

Yanni continued with fine art studies under the guidance of Prof. P. Tetsis in Athens graduated at 1966. During the 70s Yanni immigrated to Johannesburg South Africa and works in the Graphic Design industry, but also follows pottery classes under guidance of ceramic artist Joys Kaiser.

In the mid-1980s, Yannis Souvatzoglou opened a gallery in the historic center of Athens, marking the beginning of his solo exhibitions. His primary mediums are sculpture and drawing, with his jewelry regarded as micro-sculptures, often incorporating sculptural elements directly into his paintings. Yannis’ works focus on the human condition, exploring the complexities of existence. His life experiences allow him to express deep philosophical reflections in a mature and direct way. Influenced by Minoan, Cycladic, and Etruscan art, Yannis combines philosophical with positive themes, resulting in a distinctive and uplifting body of work.

Represented by galleries worldwide, Yannis’ artwork reaches a global audience. His work has been showcased in numerous international exhibitions and art auctions, and his pieces are held in prestigious private collections and museums. Additionally, several corporations have placed their trust in his creative vision. Over the years, Yanni has earned international recognition, performing the Kofi Anna Award since 2023, participating in the OECD’s art auction in Paris in 2013, exhibiting at the Toyamura Museum of Arts Japan in 2003, and winning the National Exhibition Prize in Athens from the Greek Ministry of Culture in 1982 for his sculpture Eros, among other.