Dimitris C. Milionis (1960-present), a multifaceted artist of Australian and Greek descent, was born in Sydney, Australia in 1960. During his formative years at Tempe Languages High School (Sydney, Au.) from 1972-74, Milionis explored technical drawing, woodworking, and metalworking.

After relocating to Athens, Greece, in 1974, Milionis attended the American Community Schools (ACS) Academy School, where he delved into black-and-white photography, 8mm film, and video production, as well as drawing, mechanical drawing, and architecture. He also ventured into printmaking, specifically linocuts. In 1979-80, Milionis gained valuable experience working in post-production on several Greek films and serials.

The late 1970s and early 1980s saw Milionis develop his artistic horizons even further. He expanded his knowledge in Film & Theatrical Costumes, Ancient Greek Theater Stage, Props, and Sceneography, re-explored painting in various mediums, and dabbled in traditional Greek Orthodox Byzantine Iconography, Etching, Sculpture, Design, and Screen Printing. His passion for the arts also manifested in a small acting spot in the 1985 Cacoyiannis Film, “Sweet Country”.

From the mid-1980s to present day, Milionis’ artistic focus has centered on painting. His works, deeply influenced by Greek culture, reflect references to Greek cultural traditions, Byzantine art of icon painting, and miniature paintings of the Middle Ages. Simple geometrical compositions, with surrealistic elements, characterize his paintings, where he blends seascapes, the Aegean Sea, coastlines adorned with kiosks reminiscent of Orthodox iconography, and scenes of feasts with bottles of wine, flowers in vases, and kites soaring in the sky.

The absence of human figures in his landscapes enhances a sense of timelessness, further strengthened by surreal details within the compositions. Kites in the sky and children’s balls on the ground imply human presence, while curtains in motion symbolize the mysteries of life or religion that unfold within buildings depicted in his works. Everyday life and religious feeling are deeply connected in Milionis’ paintings, exemplified by the fish, a timeless Christian symbol, linked to fruit, such as watermelon, pear, and others, all symbols of fertility in Western European painting.

Inspired by personal experiences, memories, and tales from fish taverns and cafes, Milionis’ paintings offer a glimpse into his rich, multicultural upbringing, blending Greek, Australian, and Western European influences into a harmonious, visually intriguing whole. His artwork invites viewers to embark on a journey through time and place, exploring the mysteries and beauty of Greek culture.

With a career spanning over four decades, Milionis has earned a respected place among contemporary Greek artists. His art has been exhibited in numerous galleries, both in Greece and abroad, highlighting his unique style and perspective.
From his early days as a student in Sydney and Athens, to his ongoing artistic journey in Greece, Milionis has shown an unwavering dedication to artistic exploration, mastery, and experimentation, making him a fascinating and multifaceted figure in the world of Greek art.

Dimitris C. Milionis’ life and artistic evolution and exploration continues to unfold. Each new work he creates adds another layer to his legacy, cementing his place as a unique voice in contemporary Greek art.