Dakis Joannou
Dakis Joannou (Greek Δάκης Ιωάννου, born 1939 in Nicosia, Cyprus) is a Cypriot industrialist and entrepreneur who lives in Athens. He was known primarily as an art collector and has one of the most important collections of contemporary art worldwide.
Ioannou studied at Athens College and graduated with a degree in civil engineering at Cornell University. He also earned a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate in architecture at the University of Rome. Together with George Paraskevaides 1961 he founded the construction company J & P. Joannou is President of the International Directors Council of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, a member of the asset management of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and a member of the International Council of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and the Tate Gallery.
Ioannou is the most important promoter of the work of Jeff Koons, whose largest collection he now owns. The first image of Koons he bought in 1985 for $ 2700. In addition, involves the collection of works by Vanessa Beecroft, Michael Bevilacqua, Ashley Bickerton, Cai Guo- Qiang, Maurizio Cattelan, Verne Dawson, Matt Greene, Ralf ornamental bird, Mike Kelley, Joseph Kosuth, Liza Lou, Miltos Manetas, Allan McCollum, Takashi Murakami, Ningura Napurrula, Shirin Neshat, Cady Noland, Chris Ofili, Gabriel Orozco, Yinka Shonibare, Shahzia Sikander, Kara Walker, Nari Ward, and Christopher Wool.
Ioannou museums exhibiting his works often free of charge and promotes young artists, among others by buying their works. In both activities, critics have an influence on the free art world, as in his most recent work as a Lender an exhibition at the New Museum of Contemporary Art Joannou indeed leaves Jeff Koons, who is also the curator of the selection. Ioannou is it is also a financier of the museum. In addition, it appears most unlikely that he sold parts of his collection. Nevertheless, his commitment is seen as a public museum collection.
His art foundation DESTE (Greek for: looks ) is located in Nea Ionia in Athens.
Exhibitions (selection)
- Dream and Trauma - Works from the Dakis Joannou Collection, MUMOK Vienna ( 29 June to 4 October 2007)
- Skin Fruit: Selections from the Dakis Joannou Collection