Artwork
Άτομο
Άτομο is an unspecified painting by Philippos Manos. It dates from 1993 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1993 by Greek painter Philippos Manos, “Άτομο” is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work presents a solitary figure moving away from the viewer, set against a deep blue field that suggests either nightfall or an interior space. The composition is dominated by a large, greenish mass that conceals the head, adding an element of anonymity.
Subject & Meaning
The lone wanderer, shrouded by the greenish covering, invites speculation about identity and purpose. By obscuring the face, the artist removes personal cues, turning the figure into a universal stand‑in for isolation or contemplation. The muted, rough clothing and the figure’s forward motion reinforce a sense of anonymity within a vast, undefined environment.
Technique & Style
The greenish hood is rendered with softer, blended strokes, softening its outline against the harsher surrounding forms.
Manos employs a pronounced impasto technique, applying thick layers of paint that create a tactile, uneven surface. Broad, vigorous brushstrokes give the canvas a raw, expressive quality, while the contrast between the dark blue background and the light, rough‑textured garments emphasizes depth. The greenish hood is rendered with softer, blended strokes, softening its outline against the harsher surrounding forms.
History & Provenance
Since its completion in 1993, “Άτομο” has been retained by the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains on display as part of the institution’s modern Greek art holdings. The work has not been recorded in major auction sales, indicating that it has remained within the museum’s collection since its acquisition, contributing to the museum’s narrative of contemporary visual culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Philippos Manos painted the same quiet street corner in Athens for years, switching between oil and gouache just to see how the light changed.
Museum
Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus
Continue through works from the same source collection.
