Nikos Egonopoulos (Greek: Νίκοс Εγγονόπουλος), born in Athens in 1907, was a distinguished Greek painter and poet. As a member of the “Generation of the ’30s,” he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s artistic landscape during a crucial period of change and development. Furthermore, Egonopoulos emerged as a significant figure within the surrealist movement in Greece, showcasing exceptional talent both as a visual artist and a writer.

Born to parents Panagiotis and Errietti (Henrietta) Egonopoulos, young Nikos spent his early childhood in Athens before relocating to Constantinople in 1914 due to the eruption of World War I. Following a four-year stint studying in a lycée in Paris between 1923 and 1927, he returned to Greece and completed his mandatory military service. Post-military life saw him working as a translator in a bank and subsequently as a secretary at the University of Athens. Between 1930 and 1933, he honed his design skills while employed at the Urban Planning Department of the Greek Ministry of Public Works.

Egonopoulos further pursued formal education in fine arts at the prestigious Athens School of Fine Arts, training under notable figures including Konstantinos Parthenis, Dimitrios Biskinis, Thomas Thomopoulos, and Yannis Kefallinos. Additionally, he expanded his knowledge base through attendance at Photis Kontoglou’s art studio and studies centered around Byzantine art led by Andreas Xyngopoulos. It was during these transformative years that he formed connections with prominent artists like poets Andreas Embirikos and painters Yannis Tsarouchis, Giorgio de Chirico, and Yannis Moralis—individuals who greatly influenced his subsequent creative endeavors.

In 1938, Egonopoulos unveiled his initial body of artwork—predominantly tempera pieces on paper featuring aged structures—at an Art of Modern Greek Tradition exhibition. This successful debut preceded the publication of his translated works of Tristan Tzara’s poetry in February 1938. Shortly afterward, he launched two highly acclaimed volumes of verse titled “Do Not Disturb the Driver” and “The Clavichords of Silence.” These literary contributions cemented his reputation as one of Greece’s foremost surrealist poets.

Throughout his career, Egonopoulos crafted numerous individual exhibitions, culminating in the creation of his renowned epic poem, “Bolivar, a Greek Poem”—an ode to South American revolutionary Simon Bolivar, initially published in 1944 and adapted into song format complete with musical accompaniment by Nikos Mamangakis in 1968.

Following the conclusion of World War II, Egonopoulos founded the esteemed Art Group Armos alongside fellow creatives. Recognized for his remarkable accomplishments, he represented Greece at both the 1954 Venice Biennale and the 1955 São Paulo Biennale. Over the course of his illustrious tenure, he garnered several accolades, among them the First Poetry Award bestowed upon him by the Greek Ministry of Education in 1958 and the esteemed Gold Cross of George I distinction granted in recognition of his substantial impact on the world of arts in 1966.

From 1967 to 1973, Egonopoulos served as a respected professor of painting at the revered National Technical University of Athens prior to retiring. Married twice—first to artist Nelly Andrikopoulou in 1950 and then to Eleni Tsiokou in 1960, with whom he fathered a child—he left behind an indelible mark on Greek culture and continues to inspire future generations.

Today, Egonopoulos’ masterpieces can be found gracing the walls of esteemed institutions such as the National Gallery of Greece, Benaki Museum, the Teloglion Fine Arts Foundation, and the Museum of Modern Greek Art of Rhodes, solidifying his enduring legacy as a visionary trailblazer within the realm of modern Hellenic artistry.