Profile

Stavros Georgiou (born in Cyprus, 1972) is a self-taught contemporary artist whose life and work have been shaped by war, displacement and loss.

Background

Originally from the Kyrenia district of Cyprus, he became a refugee after the 1974 invasion. He and his family were trapped in the Dome Hotel for six months before the International Committee of the Red Cross helped to evacuate them. This experience showed him, at a young age, the human cost of war, forced migration and uncertainty.

His family suffered another loss. After 1974 his uncle was listed among the missing in Cyprus, and his remains were identified many years later. This loss strengthened his commitment to art about peace and the protection of human rights.

Today he lives and works in Greece. His work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in Greece, Cyprus and abroad. He is a registered member of the Hellenic and Cypriot Chambers of Fine Arts.

Philosophy

For him, promoting peace and defending human and animal rights takes more than ideals. It takes action and lasting commitment. His artworks carry clear, powerful messages that speak to the viewer’s emotions and experience, to prompt empathy, reflection and a personal connection to the issues he addresses.

Drawing on his own experience of war, displacement and loss, he has learned to turn pain into expression. He believes that however harsh reality becomes, humanity must never lose its capacity for hope. Others may inflict pain, but no one can decide how we bear it, deal with it or transform it. His work turns pain into awareness, memory into dialogue, and adversity into a call for peace, justice, compassion and respect for all living beings.

Upcoming exhibitions

  • 2027, Brussels: European Parliament. Solo exhibition World Genocides, The Real Debt, 11 3D paintings
  • 2027, Athens: Byzantine and Christian Museum. Group exhibition, free topic, peace sculpture

Cultural diplomacy projects

Stavros Georgiou is the inspiring creator and artistic director of these projects.

  • 2027-2028, Athens: United Embassies. Group exhibition of anti-war sculptures, one month
  • 2028, Nicosia, Cyprus: Peace vs War. Solo exhibition and seven-month cultural tour at the roadblock in Nicosia, with nine large-scale anti-war sculptures
  • International Olympic Truce Center: Peace Art Festival

Solo exhibitions

  • 2026, Athens: Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Women’s Rights Event, sculptures and paintings
  • 2017–2020, Mykonos: 3 Shades Hotel. The United Crimes of Humanity, paintings, sculptures, installations and live art shows on the rotten effect of money on the world
  • 2013, Cyprus: Hilton Hotel. One-month solo show with a body-painted, life-size horse sculpture in the lobby
  • 2012, Cyprus: People Gallery. 11 portrait paintings
  • 2011, Mykonos: Kapopoulos Gallery. Free topic, paintings
  • 2010, Milan: Blanco club. Imagine, five portrait paintings of Obama, Jesus, Madonna, Hitler and Lennon
  • 2009, Athens: Stoa Club. Free topic, paintings
  • 2009, Parma: Restaurant Gallery. Decorative art on old wooden doors and windows
  • 2008, Mykonos: Astra club. Solo exhibition in collaboration with the Makis Tselios fashion show
  • 2008, Venice: Imagine wine bar. Decorative art on old wooden doors and windows
  • 2006, Padova: Fishmarket club. Paintings on 1941 military clothes
  • 2002, Mykonos: Municipal Art Gallery. Car tire sculptures
  • 2000, Mykonos: Municipal Art Gallery. Decorative art on old wooden doors and windows
  • 1999, Athens: Stoa Club. Fashion design and paintings on 1941 military clothes

Group exhibitions with the Greek Chamber of Fine Arts

  • 2026, Athens: Byzantine and Christian Museum. Do Not Remove – Danger Death, peace sculpture
  • 2026, Athens: Municipal Tobacco Factory. Women’s Day, Abuse, women’s rights sculpture
  • 2025, Athens: Byzantine and Christian Museum. Fragile – Handle with Care, peace sculpture
  • 2024, Athens: Byzantine and Christian Museum. Fight War with Peace, peace sculpture
  • 2023, Athens: Municipal Tobacco Factory. Tribute: The Destruction of Smyrna, 3D painting
  • 2023, Athens: Municipal Art Gallery. Black Money Corruption, 3D painting

Other group exhibitions

  • 2018, Venice, Italy: Festival delle Arte, Sacca Fisola (Giudecca). Genocides topic, The Real Debt, human rights, 11 3D paintings
  • 2012, Mykonos: White Gallery. Group street art exhibition
  • 2010, Spetses: Deste Art Organization. Decorative design
  • 2007, Athens: Stoa Club. Fashion Storm, fashion paint and design
  • 1997, Thessaloniki: Arthouse club. Handmade Fashion Exhibition

Collaborations

  • Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports: Greek flag sculpture installation
  • Greek Ministry of Health and Welfare: AIDS campaign, public bus design
  • Club for UNESCO of Piraeus and Islands: projects under its auspices
  • Kyrenia City Hall, Cyprus: Cyprus flag sculpture installation
  • Members of Parliament and Members of the European Parliament: World Genocides, The Real Debt, 11 3D paintings
  • Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Women’s Rights Event, sculptures and paintings

International Recognition

His work has found a place in private collections and cultural venues in Australia, Israel, New York and Cyprus, reflecting the international character of his artistic and diplomatic career.