Michel Devanakis

Michael Devanakis is a self-taught visual artist primarily working in painting. He was born and raised in Douala, Cameroon, in 1962 to Greek parents. He studied Graphic Design and Advertising in France. After his studies, he lived and worked in several countries (France, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada) before settling in Greece in 1997, where he started his own graphic design and illustration company. In 2001, he created “filaki.gr,” the largest humorous website in Greece, focusing on illustrated greeting cards designed by him and other artists. He created paintings alongside his various activities from his youth. His first participation in a group exhibition was in Bermuda in 1987 when he was 25 years old. In 2013, he decided to gradually abandon his other activities and dedicate his time to painting on a more permanent basis. His multicultural background is the main driving force behind his creative approach. He has exhibited his work in Greece and abroad, and his works are in private collections in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. Today, he exclusively earns a living from his artistic activity. Michael is a member of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece (EEET) and collaborates with the collective of visual artists ARC – Art Revisited Collective since March 2024.