Biography

George Zymarakis (June 23, 1934 – January 22, 2023) was born in the historic Castle of Chios, where he first began to nurture his innate talent for painting. His initial artistic inspiration came from renowned teachers such as Kostas Karagatsidis and Chian artist Nikos Gialouris.

In his quest to broaden his horizons, Zymarakis arrived in New York in 1956. There, he studied at the Art Students League and the National Academy of Design. His career soared as he assumed roles as a creative designer and art director for leading organizations, including CBS Books, Scholastic Magazine, American Express, and Parade Publications. After two decades in the United States, Zymarakis returned to Greece in 1987 and settled permanently in Athens. Together with his wife, Kalliopi Volaki, he founded the fine arts magazine Gallery Guide in 1989, making a significant contribution to the Greek art scene.

Zymarakis’s artistic work is distinguished by its expressive depiction of urban—and not only—landscapes. His paintings vividly capture the essence of cities such as New York, Athens, and Chios, revealing his profound love for the places that embraced him. His technique, enriched with atmospheric details, masterfully conveys the dynamic interplay of light and shadow, movement and stillness.

Throughout his career, Zymarakis showcased his work in solo exhibitions in New York, Paris, Athens, and Chios, while also participating in numerous group exhibitions. Many of his paintings are held in private and public collections, underscoring his timeless influence in the art world. In 2000, the U.S. government honored Zymarakis with a grant, organizing an exhibition in Athens under the auspices of the U.S. Embassy titled Homage to New York.

Beyond painting, Zymarakis was also a writer, art theorist, and historian. A unique facet of his creativity is reflected in his book Life in the Castle – Growing Up in Chios, published in 2017. Within 96 pages, Zymarakis vividly recounts his memories of life in the Castle of Chios, which he describes as a protected paradise full of beautiful people, lively moments, scents, and flavors. The book is illustrated with twenty of his paintings, creating a tribute to memory and daily life of the era.

George Zymarakis passed away on January 22, 2023, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to inspire and influence contemporary art. His life and work remain a lasting testament to his dedication to capturing the beauty and complexity of life through his unique artistic vision.

Georgia Dimopoulou

Classics Scholar – Editor