The passing of painter and writer Andreas Karagian leaves a huge gap in Cyprus’s cultural scene. His work made a special impact on modern Cypriot art.
Andreas Karagian was born in Nicosia in 1943. He started studying medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and graduated in 1967. But his artistic side soon led him to change paths. He left medicine for painting, studying at Camberwell College of Arts and Central School of Art and Design in London. He later studied engraving in Germany and lived in Berlin for many years.
In 1978, he had his first solo exhibition at the “Ora” gallery in Athens. This marked the start of a long and well-known career. He represented Cyprus at major events like the Venice Biennale and the Cairo Biennale, earning great reviews.
From 1978 to 2004, he was active in journalism, writing film and theater reviews. He greatly influenced public discussions about the arts. His work also connected to literature through illustrations for poems by Konstantinos P. Kavafis.
A key moment in his career came in 2007 when he was invited by the Library of Alexandria. There, he created a series of works inspired by Alexandrian themes, boosting his international recognition.
Until his last days, he split his time between Nicosia, Alexandria, and Athens. He stayed active and creative—a true artist who never “faded,” but simply became part of history.
