Odysseas Elytis

Greek poet and painter. Odysseas Elytis was one of the greatest poets, winner of Nobel Prize for Literature in 1979.

In 1929 a decisive year for his poetic route. He discovers surrealism and reads Lorca and Eluard.

In 1935 he meets the poet and psychoanalyst Embiricos, that will decisively influence his poetry as folk painting of Theofilos, which will have a significant impact on figurative orientation of his poetry.

At the same time the poet Sarantaris brings him into contact with the literary companionship, which published the pioneering magazine New Letters.

They consisted, among others, Seferis and Theotokas. In 1936 he met poet Gatsos and with Gikas painters and Moralis.

In 1948 rub the vanguard of the French intelligentsia ( Breton, Camus ) and comes into contact with visual, such as ( Picasso and Matisse ).

In 1959 he released the Axion Esti, a highlight of Greek literature.

This project Elytis will experience wide recognition when set to music by Mikis Theodorakis in 1964.

In 1979 comes the great moment for the poet.

On 18 October, the Swedish Academy announced that he would be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

In its Communication noted that the Axion Esti is one of the masterpieces of the poetry of the 20th century.

Research,  Presentation
Rafaela Zioti