Join us for the artist walkabout for Yannis Generalis retrospective art exhibition Listening For Light

Artist and designer Yannis (John) Generalis is the product of many countries. Born in Africa to Greek Immigrant parents, he grew up between Zimbabwe, Botswana, Greece and South Africa. He arrived in Johannesburg in 1983 and has called this home ever since. 

He is an Alumnus of the University of the Witwatersrand , with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology, International relations & Modern Greek. 

In 1990 he enrolled at the Johannesburg Art foundation, where he spent the next 3 years studying Fine Art and sculpture, graduating top of his class.

He began his commercial career in 1993 (until present day). He founded one of the first Johannesburg based marketing & event companies, Salamander Design Concepts. His commercial design career also includes, theatre & product design, commercial space design, as well as public art projects.

Generalis’ private art work has been shown extensively in both solo and group shows and has been included in exhibitions and private collections in South Africa, Europe and the Unites States. 

In 2017 he returned to academia, enrolling at the University of Johannesburg, where he completed his Masters degree in Visual arts (Mtech Visual Arts). He graduated in 2020 cum laude. 

His Master’s dissertation entitled “Hybrid Vigour As A Creative Strategy In The Works Of Steven Cohen And Grace Jones”, as well as his solo exhibition entitled: “Hybrid Vigour: Ecce Homo”, both received the University of Johannesburg Chancellor’s Gold Medal for most meritorious Master’s research study and Master’s exhibition in 2020.