Source: http://vagelismoustakas.com/en/Works?qt-works_tabs=4
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 22:41:05+00:00

Document:
"Ever since I was a child, I had imagined Alexander the Great equestrian and dashing - a hero of myth! I had been preoccupied with the subject since 1960-61 without dreaming of any competition. The equestrian figure interests me because it provides great opportunities for composition. Thus, for the monument I designed a Sculpture Space. I geometrized the forms on the equestrian figure so that they will withstand the test of time. I wanted a horse outside reality - a 'beast'. Alexander riding the rearing horse with ease, sitting as if on his throne, and that is what I was after in my final study. I wanted to depict him grand and imposing, dashing, and as if following a vision - these were the characteristics of Alexander the Great. He turns, holding his sword, a symbol with which he cut the Gordian Knot.
The equestrian figure is inscribed in a circle which rests on the rectangular parallelepiped marble base. It is a daring and difficult subject- a lot of studies were needed. The technical difficulties of its support were enormous. The centre of gravity had to be found. I'm interested in all the details: the horse's tail, its direction, the materials coming out from the armpit, the cape - a feature of great beauty, which interests me a lot and studied the centre of gravity at length so that it would have the right balance and the figure, weighing five tons, should weigh perfectly at the centre and almost hover! The static study was precise: each square metre of surface area can take 36 tons of wind pressure - let's not forget the Vandaris and the earthquakes which it has already withstood.
What concerns and interests me is not only the equestrian figure, but also the things that frame the central feature: sarissas, shields, and their shadows. I want them to operate as mirages. I like the round parts of the shields in relation to the right-angled shapes, like the base and the piers on the pedestal. I wanted them to operate in a vertical manner, powered by the sun's trend and transform stillness into movement. The sarissas, together with the shield-circles, arranged in groups of five and three, the symbols of Medusa being engraved in relief - a snake, an eagle, a hawk, a bull. Indicative badges of the military corps of Alexander".
Moustakas receives his First award for the Monument "Alexander the Great" in Thessaloniki. Two competitions were preceded without recognition (among the members of the Committee was the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos). Moustakas takes part in the third round among twenty five Greek sculptors.
"Alexander the Great", height 6.00m, width 7.00m. Together with the base it reaches 11.00m. - The monument "Alexander the Great" is located in Thessaloniki seaside.
The surroundings of the monument, with sarissa, shields and part of the relief.
Five of the eight sarissa and shields - on one side of the monument, inscribed with embossed symbols of military forces of Commander Alexander.
“The relief which completes the composition shows the most important battle fought by Alexander, the Battle of Issus that would determine his further conquests in Asia. Aiming at the final solution, I tried out nine equestrian statues. The final statue was six metres high and seven metres long, while the previous one was four metres, the one before 2.50 metres, and the first one 1.25 - this was the artwork of the competition. Separately, there were others of smaller size. And just to give an idea of the actual size, I will mention that the head of Bucephalus is two meters long. For the final statue, I set up great masses of expanded polystyrene and used abstractive sculpture."
The model of the equestrian statue of 'Alexander the Great' at the foundry in Italy in copper being welded. Its size is apparent as contrasted with the workers.
"Monument Kyriakos Matsis" in Cyprus, opposite the Presidential Palace-the "Statue" and the "Explosion"
"Monument Kyriakos Matsis", putting the finishing touches to the monument under evening light.
The "Statue" and the "Explosion"
Architectural drawing of the Monument in sectional view. The Monument of hero Kyriakos Matsis is complex. It consists of the Statue and the Explosion which starts from the Crypt (below), pierces the roof and by "exploding" reaches above ground the hero Matsis. The composition of the monument is framed by two triangular points, like a pyramid that breaks in the middle. Access to the memorial is paved by successive levels.
Architect of the monument and associate of V. Moustakas, his son, John Moustakas.
The basement includes the Hiding Place with the "Crypt" (7.50m) which "explodes". Within the Hiding Place, there are seven reliefs- fragments of the explosion. In some places, the brass elements and fragments of the Explosion are gilded, adding brightness. The Hiding Place communicates with the Cultural Events Hall (see architecture design section).
Visitors have external and internal access through the Crypt. It predisposes the viewer in motion and multiple readings of the space. The area which covers the monument is 3.500m². It is located at the junction towards the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
"Icarus" Monument of Fallen Aviators - Karaiskaki Square, center of Athens. Hammered and authentic work, a unique piece of art. The figure is 7 meters high.
Opening day. The contingent, the Airforce band, members of the Air Force Academy and Technical NCO Academy, representative officers, Air Force Captain, Mr. D. Lytzerakos, getting ready for the unveiling ceremony. Operated by Athens Mayor, Mr. D. Avramopolulos, and Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Dimitris Apostolakis.
1. One of the studies for the monument "Icarus" and the base "pyramid" along with its ground plan. A pond with running water is formed on the front as a symbol of the sea - it requires a mechanism which is located below the pyramid.
2. Ground plan of the square. The architecture of the square was studied by architect John Moustakas, V. Moustakas partner in major projects.
In 'Icarus' monument of Fallen Aviators (1975) at Tatoi, and Tanagra (1980), which, in spite of the period of time which separates them, may be seen as a response to one another and at the same time as a differing interpretation of the theme, we have two further distinctive endeavors of Moustakas. Works of monumental dimensions, both marked by the use of purely abstract types. This is a case of a morphoplastic diction which allows the artist to advance to new interpretations of the subject, far removed from representational trends. Over and above the morphoplastic diction which is based on the abstract statements in these works, determinant factors are the emphasis on dynamic and expansive features, imposed by the energetic vertical and diagonal themes.
In the Tatoi monument - 'Icarus I' - all the features, with the decisive role being played by the vertical and energetic diagonal themes, express the dynamic elevation and the fulfilment of one of the constant dreams of man. Without any trace of affectation or familiar representational types, by the stressed verticality of the subjects and the use of light diagonals, everything gives the feeling of liberation from gravity and of rising. In the Tanagra monument, in contrast with the Tatoi, the diction makes reference both to elevation and flying, as well as to falling. Here we have subjects which suggest, through the stressed vertical Icarus rising and the downward diagonal themes, his fall, with his wings leaving his body. The use of exclusively abstract types in both these works permits an investigation of the expressive potential of the forms, which complete to a greater extent the content of the subject - man's dream of transcending his own self.
He works the synthesis in polyester with the process of subtractive sculpture - the model in red circle.
Both sides of the composition in wax- front and rear view. Work in process in the studio - outside the northern glass partition.
The "Meeting" shortly before completion, in front of the Town Hall of Peristeri and placed at the entrance of Peristeri Metro station in Athens.
Another aspect of the composition "Meeting"
The "Meeting"-the young "punk" with the ball and dove.
Another aspect of the composition "Epochoumeni" shortly before competion.
Ground plan of the composition "Meeting" - length 16.00 x 8.00m.
"Olympic Boxer" (2004) - Opening day- Bournazi square, municipality of Peristeri. It was created for the Olympic Games 2004 in Peristeri - boxing match that took place in Peristeri. The opening day attended leading Olympic boxers from Cuba, Felix Savon Fabre and Teofilo Stevenson Lawrence.
The unveiling was carried out by the President of the Olympic Games, Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulos and Sports Minister, Mrs. Fani Pali-Petralia.
The opening day at Bournazi square. The Mayor of Peristeri, Mr. Andreas K. Pahatouridis, honors Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalakis and Mrs. Fani Petralia by offering a small-scale copy of Boxer.
The Mayor honors the sponsor of the sculpture, Mrs. Theocharakis K. (daughter).
"Birds in the West", Relief, Copper, 6.00 x 1.80m. Set up in the Industrial Center of Kessariani.
"Birds...once the sun comes up", Relief, Copper, 6.00 x 1.80 Erected on the other side of the building.
"Men and Machine", Relief, Copper (24m2), Planned for other aspects of the building.
"Birds and suns", Relief, Copper (24m2), Planned for other aspects of the building.
"Sarchophagus - Train" is completed. Six blind wagons are added.
Its dimensions change into: length 10.00, height 0.70, width 0.40 cm. The train is placed onto a bridge (construction). The project was completed in 1993 in order to be presented in the retrospective exhibition in Pierides Foundation.
"The Ship" -Exhibition at Faliro, Wrought Bronze, 6.00 x 2.15 x 1.50 cm.
Studies, drawings for "Universal Symbol"
"Victory breaks the shackles", this image was used as a poster by the Municipality of Athens when Moustakas exhibited his big works in the center of Athens.
"I make large curves on the sculptures, so that there is a play of light and shadow. I want the viewer to complete it by taking part in it, and the empty space to operate as a sculptural mass. I never work on a single work, one composition. I am evovling many sculptures in parallel. In this way I have time to re-examine them, and repose when moving from one work to the other. Eventually they are all completed at the same time..."
"...The art of Moustakas is not a passive spectator of the world; it is an art which has been put on the rack and which is profoundly reflective. To be understood, it presupposes on the part of the beholder a complete alertness and participation in the historical process - similar to that of the creato - whether we have monumental compositions or references to the sphere of pure thought"
Moustakas received the "Gold Medal" for his sculpture "Victory" in Biennale of Alexandria in 1968. He took part with a series of compositions, which were created with lost-wax casting. This was a great honor for Greece.
"I believe that a work of art, apart from its creator's need to express himself and to put into practice his moral and aesthetic values, is capable of functioning in a way impelled by many causes. Associating place and time, as if it were an orchestration.
At this point in history in Greece, the particular work has something important to say, conserve, remind us of. The duty of the artist is to preserve tradition, but he also has the obligation to speak at a world-wide level with proposals.
I was invited in this era (Junta) to represent my country in the Biennale. This particular project has something important to say. A (claimed) "Victory" can be derived from enforcement. I present a victory accompanied by "decapitated figures.." V.M.
Penelope seated, Sirens and details of Odyssey.
and the flow of the sea.
"Moustakas - Sculpture" in Retrospective exhibition at Pierides Foundation. By the "Knowledge Columns" - Moustakas with painter Peter (friends / colleagues from the School of Fine Arts) and the "Blue Roller" by Peter (painting).
Monumental study / composition with "Knowledge Columns"
"Angels in cage", Detail of the column.
View of the exhibition -Vourkariani Gallery, Kea.
The foreword of the exhibition catalogue.
…"As the viewer can see in the presence of the works themselves, it is the multiplicity of the explorations and the daring of the combinations which ascribe the tone to the artistic creation of Moustakas. Apart from the works which have been discussed, there are many others which leave no doubt as to the character and range of the artist's concerns. The decisive characteristic of his language of expression, together with his technical accomplishment, in various categories, is his ability to use features from types of all periods and trends -in works in marble, in bronze, in wood, as well as in their surroundings and his constructivist undertakings, it is the purely personal elements which set the tone and give expression to his encounters.
Thus with features from the real, the imaginary and of abstration, this genuine creator offers works of mass and quality which are distinguished by the robustness of forms vibrant with inner forces - an exuberance of expression formulated by the spontaneity of his inspiration and the directness and plenitude of his achievements.
Tribute to Icarus ΙΙ (1989-90), from the section "Propellers"
Drafts for "Tribute to Icarus"
It has been designated National Treasure along with 20 works of art in the First Cemetery of Athens.
"Bust of Helen Papadakis", First Cemetery of Athens.
The specific sculpture was created during an Educational broadcast on NET (New Hellenic Television) in the presence of a group of school children, which, in the end, raised their questions (in the studio, the sculpture was worked with expanded-polystyrene for quick results, and then it was carved in marble. The TV show "Red Yellow Blue" was hosted by Ch Mytaras, M. Manousakis and Olga Malea. Moustakas, Tsoklis and Kesanlis were among the first guests of the show.
Study drawings for trees. Initial idea of the tree which evolves into a mass of abstract sculpture.
Six one-line drawings, from the first book of Zoe Savina "Nuances" 1997, and six unpublished poems of Zoe Savina.
"I never erase a line, even if I'm not pleased with it. I proceed with the subsequent one until I reach the final form of my drawing...", Moustakas says.
Full Moon - ARE YOU STILL HERE?
smoothing down all your escapades.
dominating over waters and, as you think, me?
baffling you in your thinking I belong to you.
with teeth in between its gold reins.
and rending the hands of my pen.
from where does the silken cloth begin?
like the earth harkens death.
asks the never-drying fruits of paradise.
Exhibits in the halls and the pedestrianized street: sculptures, paintings and Banners with poems of Zoe Savina.
Indoors, small-scale sculptures on display. Large-scale sculptures displayed in the pedestrianized street and garden.
1. Mayor Andreas Pachatouridis greets and welcomes the guests and artists to the municipality of Peristeri.
2. From left: The poetess and speaker of the event Yolanda Pegkli, the poetess and academic K. Dimoula, the sculptor V. Moustakas, the poetess Z. Savina, the Mayor A. Pachatouridis and members of the City Council.
The Mayor Andreas Pachatouridis honors the artists Vangelis Moustakas, Zoe Savina and Alexander Moustakas.
Schools visited the exhibition and the students chatted with the artist.
1. Opening day - On the left, the memorable sculptor M. Kalamaras (with the white trench coat).
2. The director of the Museum, D. Pierides and the artist V. Moustakas welcome the visitors.
1. The artist V. Moustakas talks with the Ambassador of Sweden.
2. V. Moustakas with the couple Marina and Vasilis Theocharakis.
1. V. Moustakas talks with P. Zia, History of Art - Byzantinologist.
2. A snapshot of V. Moustakas and sculptress Alex Mylona.
1. William H. Poteet, Professor Emeritus of Religion and Comparative Studies at Duke University (Ν.Caroline) and his wife Patricia Lewis Poteat, President of Athens College. Exceptional friends of the artist - among the helices of the "Symphony of Ethers".
2. With the journalist Mr K. Cerezi getting ready for an interview on New Hellenic Television (NET). Small-scale sculptures were displayed in "Argo" Gallery, run by Ms Franselina Cerezi.
1. With his friend Pr. Emfietzoglou, businessman, while visiting the exhibition.
2-3. From the left: Moustakas, the painter Petros and the poet Z. Savina posing next to the "Columns of Knowledge". The painting "cylinder" of Petros put in a prominent place.
Schools regularly visit the exhibition and students chatted about sculpture. The AKTO, the Architecture School of Athens, the School of Fine Arts of Athens and high schools from all over Attica.
"Angels" Sculpture - Designs. Exhibition at Vourkariani gallery in the island of Kea - Greece.
At the exhibition: the poet Zoe Savina, the sculptor Evangelos Moustakas and the renowned comedian, Sotiris Moustakas.
Exhibition in Cyprus – Gallery "Argo"
"Macedonian Horseman", Wrought and construction elements.
Snapshots. V. Moustakas with Zoe Savina. Just finished setting up the sculptures.
Preparing the Exhibition, with the philosopher William H. Poteat, Professor Emeritus of Religion and Comparative Studies at Duke University, and Steven Gardner, Assistant of the President of the Museum.
Moustakas taking one last look at "Icarus"
"Sarcophagus" (1967) Wrought iron 1.25 x 0.70 x 0.40 - the "Sarcophagus" represented Greece at the Biennale in Brazil and was sent to the U.S.A. to be displayed at the Duke University.
Two drawings of the exhibition. Drafts for 'Sarcophagus'.
Highlights from the set up of the exhibition at the Museum, with William H. Poteat, Professor Emeriuts of Religion and Comparative Studies at Duke University. Students of the Duke University commented on the work..
The schools "Ellinogermaniki Agogi" constitutes a model for education. It is centered around cultural events, lectures or exhibitions, presenting contemporary creators of speech, art, music, science and sports.
The entrance of the school. On the left, the work of Moustakas "Passing of a Wizard" -it belongs to the school.
1. Vangelis Moustakas next to "Orpheus and Eurydice". On the right, the painting of Alexander "Statue" can be distinguished.
2. From left: The poet and speaker of the event Yolanda Pegkli, the Director of the School Stavros Savas, the poet Z. Savina, the painter Alexander (Moustakas), the sculpture "Minotaur", Moustakas, and the Art Historian Athina Schina.
From left: Marianthe Kladi Efstathopoulou - Assistant Professor of Panteion University of Athens, the poet Zoe Savina, the poet Par. Serenes, the Art Historian Athina Schina (speaker for the sculpture of V. Moustakas and the paintings of Alexander), the poet Yolanda Pegkli (speaker for the poetry of Zoe Savina) and Ion Vorres, Director of the Vorres Museum.
"Windshock" in exhibition at Faliro (Athens). Construction with wrought elements / 3.60 x 1.00 x 1.50. The top main wing moves with the wind.

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