Yannis PELECANOS was born in Assia, Cyprus, in 1937.

He attended the primary school of his village, where he was an excellent student, but due to the circumstances of the time he was unable to pursue formal studies in fine art. Instead, he worked as a builder, while gradually developing his artistic practice through observation, memory and personal experience.

Pelecanos is recognised as an authentic Cypriot folk painter, whose work preserves the world of traditional Cyprus with spontaneity, simplicity and sincerity. His paintings are closely connected with the customs, occupations and everyday life of the Cypriot countryside, particularly the rural world that has gradually disappeared.

His subjects include farmers at work, harvesting, winnowing, planting, the making of bread and halloumi, village celebrations, matchmaking, betrothals, weddings and other traditional customs. Through these scenes, he records not only the appearance of Cypriot rural life, but also its social rituals, labour, humour and collective memory.

Pelecanos’s work is characterised by bright colour, narrative clarity, decorative rhythm and a direct, heartfelt approach to subject matter. His compositions often contain many figures and details, arranged with a strong storytelling quality. Although naïve in style, his paintings reveal a deep knowledge of Cypriot life and a sincere desire to preserve what has been lost or is disappearing.

Yannis Pelecanos has presented numerous solo exhibitions and has participated in many group exhibitions. His works are held in public and private collections in Cyprus and abroad, including the Presidential collection, the Municipality of Larnaca and collections in Great Britain, the United States and Bulgaria.

He remains recognised as an important Cypriot folk painter, admired for the authenticity, warmth and documentary value of his depictions of traditional Cypriot life.