Byzantine Butterflies: The Folk Paintings of Peter and Helen Contis

Product Details

• Title: Byzantine Butterflies: The Folk Paintings of Peter Contis and Helen Contis, Greek Immigrants to America
• Author: David Lewis
• Foreword by: Richard Armstrong
• Publisher: The Overlook Press
• Publication Date: 2007
• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English

Product Features

• Showcases the folk paintings of Greek immigrants Peter and Helen Contis
• Explores the fusion of Greek and American cultural elements in their artwork
• Includes a foreword by Richard Armstrong, curator of contemporary art
• Provides insights into the immigrant experience through visual arts
• High-quality reproductions of the artists' works
• In-depth analysis and commentary by author David Lewis
• Appeals to art enthusiasts, historians, and those interested in immigrant narratives

Overview

"Byzantine Butterflies" is a captivating exploration of the folk paintings created by Peter and Helen Contis, Greek immigrants who settled in America. Authored by David Lewis, himself a first-generation immigrant, the book delves into the astonishing visual summaries of the Contises' lives, portraying the fusion of their rural Greek heritage with their new American experiences in industrial Pittsburgh. Through vivid imagery and insightful commentary, the book highlights how the artists' works animate and dignify the Greek-American world, preserving the emotional intensity of first-generation immigrants.

With a foreword by Richard Armstrong, curator of contemporary art at The Carnegie Museum of Art, the book not only chronicles the unlikely development of a restaurateur into an artist but also provides a heartfelt narrative of the immigrant journey. "Byzantine Butterflies" offers readers an intimate look into the cultural and artistic legacy left by the Contis family, making it a valuable addition to any art lover's collection.

Interesting Facts

• Unique Artistic Journey: Peter Contis began painting in the last ten years of his life, leaving behind a remarkable collection that visually narrates his immigrant experience.
• Cultural Fusion: The Contises' artwork beautifully blends elements of their Greek heritage with their American life, creating a unique folk art style.
• Legacy Preserved: Their paintings serve as a forceful legacy to their progeny, capturing the essence of the first-generation immigrant experience.
• Exhibition Catalyst: A concise survey exhibition of their paintings at The Carnegie Museum of Art served as a catalyst for the creation of this book.
• Author's Connection: David Lewis personally knew the Contis family and visited their birthplace in Greece, adding depth and authenticity to his writing.

Publishers

The Overlook Press is a renowned publishing house known for producing high-quality books that cover a wide range of subjects, including art, history, and culture. Their commitment to bringing unique and meaningful stories to readers makes them a fitting publisher for "Byzantine Butterflies."

Hashtags

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