Kostis Grivakis is a pop artist, who uses fun techniques to create art. Instead of canvas, he uses cardboard. Instead of paper, he uses old magazines and shopping bags. Once an empty shampoo bottle, in the hands of this 47 year-old Cretan, has been transformed into a figurine that depicts Omani people in their traditional outfits.

 

In 2017 while searching for a new, authentic place with a rich culture,  Kostis ended up in Oman. He had previous encounters with Omanis traveling to Greece. It was a love from the first cup of coffee. “I was amazed at the hospitality, kindness and generosity of local people here.”

 

Pop art pieces depicting His Majesty and his famous sayings are the most popular among his works. “I’m fascinated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. He is not even my president, yet I am just like many in this country, amazed by the growth and prosperity His Majesty has successfully  orchestrated over the years of his ruling”. 

 

Grivakis is an art educator, who loves to teach what he knows.

Oman has been an incredible platform for Kostis to teach his art in a university setting, where he has conducted countless workshops on how to incorporate folk art and national arts into pop art.