Lefteris Economou

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Lefteris Economou, a distinguished Cypriot artist, was born in 1930 in Frenaros, a village in the Ammochostos district of Cyprus. He received his early education at the Elliniko Gymnasio Ammochostou, where he studied art under the tutelage of Telemachos Kanthos for two years. In pursuit of higher education, Economou ventured to London, where he studied art and pedagogics at Central St. Martin’s School of Arts (1949-50), Sir John Cass College (1950-54), and Goldsmith’s School of Art (1954-55). Among his esteemed teachers were sculptor B. Copnall and painter and printmaker P. Drury.

Upon his return to Cyprus in 1955, Economou began teaching art and technical drawing in the public education sector. Concurrently, he remained committed to his artistic practice and actively participated in Cyprus’s thriving art scene, earning recognition as a prominent figure within the second generation of Cypriot artists. His diverse body of work encompassed drawings, oil paintings, engravings, sculptures, and murals, with themes predominantly inspired by the landscapes and people of his homeland.

Economou’s unique artistic style emerged from his experimentation with various techniques, styles, and scales, resulting in a range of personalised visual expressions. His works reflect influences from Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubist tendencies, Fauvism, and even Orphism. The artist showcased his creations in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Cyprus, Greece, Europe (primarily in the United Kingdom), as well as in the United States, and India. Notable accomplishments include receiving the “Diplôme d’honneur” at the International Salon de Mai in Biarritz, France, in 1974, and representing Cyprus at the Cairo Biennale and the Inter-Grafik International Printmaking Exhibition in East Berlin in 1976.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Economou traveled extensively to stay abreast of contemporary art trends. He also demonstrated his literary prowess through writing short stories and contributing articles on art to local newspapers. Today, his works can be found in public and private collections across Cyprus and abroad.

Throughout his career, Economou received various prestigious awards and distinctions, including the Yiannos Kranidiotis award in 1999, the Teukros Anthias and Theodosis Pieridis award in 2000, and the Republic of Cyprus award for his artistic contribution in 2002. Lefteris Economou passed away in 2007, leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy that continues to inspire and influence the art world.