1923-1942: The Early Years

1923

Yannis Gaïtis is born in Athens. He is the second of five children in the family of Philippe François and Panayota Gaïtis. His father, a resourceful businessman, allows the family a comfortable life, which will later help Yannis to get through difficult times.

1939

The newspaper I Vradini publishes a drawing he created when he was only 16 years old, which attests to his talent in painting.

1942

He begins his studies at the Athens School of Fine Arts with the full support of his parents.

He attends the lectures of Constantin Parthenis. However, he rarely follows the courses because he feels that the teachings delivered there neutralised rather than liberated the artist’s creative powers.

Along with his siblings Tryphon and Dina, he actively participates in the Resistance to the Nazis and becomes a member of EPON, the youth organisation of EAM (National Liberation Front).