Christeas finds new haven in Malaysia..

Christeas finds new haven in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR. Born in Athens, Greece, one of the world’s most famous and influencial abstract artists Gregory Christeas would soon be looking into Malaysia as his second home. Now married and living in Santa Monica, California in his late ‘60’s, Christeas was taught how to paint by his mother and learnt the art of creation through the energies of nature. At the age of four, he began his life as an artist sketching family portraits on his place setting with a pencil. An immediate positive reaction arose towards what he had drawn and the lesson was learned about the joy spontaneously created from the expression of life captured in art. When asked about what his greatest art lesson was, Christeas replied “All I needed to know about art I learnt from my mother, she said “make it unpretentious and as natural as possible”. The journey of a lifetime had just begun.

By his early 20’s, Artist Christeas became well known throughout Europe for his abstract art. It seemed pretty imminent that he was headed for international success. On the morning of April 21st 1967, Christeas’ dreams of being able to pursue his life as an artist were crushed as Junta tanks rolled into Athens at two in the morning. “My apartment shook so badly, my paintings literally jumped off the walls looking for a place to hide.”, Christeas described. He then organized the dynamic underground group of Greek freedom fighters L.A.O.S (People’s Liberation Organized Army) and helped to overthrow the Greek dictatorship of 1967 and restore democracy of Greece in 1974; they were 4 attempts against his life afterwards. He lived in the US until his return in 2004 to participate in the Cultural Olympiad and his Art Show was sponsored by the Ministry of Progress and the Department of Tourism. Christeas' art work can be found at the Hydra Museum Historical Archives in Hydra, at the Modern Art Gallery in Hydra, and at his studios in New York, Beverly Hills, Athens and Hydra. His art work is basically all over the world.

As it was time to settle down, Christeas went searching around for a place to retire and he was captivated by the natural beauty of Malaysia. Without hesitation, Malaysia was chosen by the renowned artist as the location for his second haven. When asked about the reason behind his choice, Christeas expressed that our country’s vibrant tropical climate and lush green environment played a significant role in his contemplations and decision. The artist has also appointed prominent architecture firm in the country, Cicakman & Co. to design his new home. The site for the said new building is predicted to be by the cliff surrounded by a pristine and unspoilt forested area, closely connected to Mother Nature.

Just as the dreamer Christeas’ is, the concept of the house is a cocktail of the energy of nature and human emotion. The said building which will be known for its charming Greek architecture resemblance is designed to have an average size; large, wide openings which generously allow natural sunlight to penetrate the interior in abundance; as well as a flat roof which can further convey hints of the Greek Mediterranean style.

“The house will function as a peaceful escape to rest, rejuvenate and relax.” the artist replied cheerfully when asked. The building will encompass a master bedroom with ample space, a guest room, a kitchen, two toilets, a living room, spiral stairs and a balcony. Timber and glass have been chosen as the core materials used. As for the openings, Christeas specifically pointed out that the kitchen openings will be round in shape, unlike the other openings around the house.



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