Konstantinos Papamichalopoulos, Nude Shunga I, 2024, Mixed Media, Framed

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Blending Japanese ukiyo-e influences with contemporary figurative abstraction, Shunga I by Greek artist Konstantinos Papamichalopoulos is a visually arresting work … Read more Blending Japanese ukiyo-e influences with contemporary figurative abstraction, Shunga I by Greek artist Konstantinos Papamichalopoulos is a visually arresting work that explores intimacy, mythology, and the theatrical language of the body. Executed in ink, egg tempera, and gold leaf on paper, the composition unfolds across a radiant gold ground, where intertwined figures dissolve into richly patterned garments, flowing contours, and layered symbolic forms. The work draws inspiration from traditional Japanese shunga prints while reinterpreting their sensual and narrative qualities through a distinctly contemporary lens. Papamichalopoulos combines meticulous linework with flattened spatial construction, decorative motifs, and dramatic contrasts between black ink and luminous gold leaf. The result is both seductive and psychologically charged—balancing tenderness, ritual, and tension within a highly stylized visual framework. The artist’s practice uniquely bridges Byzantine icon painting, Japanese printmaking traditions, graphic novels, and contemporary fine art. Born in Athens in 1975, Papamichalopoulos studied painting and printmaking at the Athens School of Fine Arts before completing an MFA in Digital Arts and later a PhD focused on visual culture and representation. His work has been exhibited extensively throughout Greece and Europe, including exhibitions at the National Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Athens City Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. His background as both a fine artist and a celebrated graphic novelist informs the cinematic and narrative depth of his compositions. This piece is beautifully presented in a custom black and gold archival float frame with museum-quality glazing, enhancing the warmth and luminosity of the gold leaf surface while giving the work a refined contemporary presence ideal for sophisticated interiors and serious collections. Medium: Ink, egg tempera and gold leaf on paper Framing: Black and gold archival float frame with museum-quality glazing Artwork Size: 20 x 27.5 inches / 50 x 70 cm Framed Size: 29 x 33 x 2 inches / 73.5 x 84 x 5 cm Ready to hang This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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