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About the Artist — HelmetedArt / Michalis Kitsis
Michalis Kitsis (HelmetedArt) is a Greek Cypriot painter based in Sweden and holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Working primarily with oil and acrylic, his practice explores emotional tension, vulnerability, and shifting identity through symbolic figures and suspended, dramatic moments. His works have been exhibited in galleries and art events in Sweden and are held in private collections internationally.
Artist Statement
My ongoing series, Behind the Mirror, is a space where I explore our inner lives through mythological and theatrical worlds. I don’t paint the myths themselves, but what I find at their psychological core. The stories are ancient, but the human experiences within them have not disappeared. They still say something about us and the world we live in today
In the studio, my practice moves through a deliberate, alternating rhythm:
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The Mythic Core: Individual paintings exploring the psychological weight of ancient Greek myths, moving beyond their literal stories to uncover the human emotions and experiences beneath them.
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The Theatrical Stage: Multi-canvas compositions, including diptychs and triptychs, exploring psychological narratives through theatrical settings and cinematic influences. Currently, this world draws from the dramatic lighting, tension, and atmosphere of classical film noir and neo-noir.
In the theatrical part of the series, I explore the roles we take on, what we show, and what we hold back. The diving helmet grew from my interest in the masks of ancient theatre, where masks and clear expressions helped communicate emotion even from a distance. Over time, the helmet has become a recurring symbol in my work. It can be a facade, a form of protection, or a way to metaphorically breathe through what we carry.
At the same time, the anonymity of the helmet and the moments where the figures step out of it entirely into raw space leaves room for the viewer. Every piece begins with a personal story from my own life, but once it is on the canvas, the viewer doesn't need to know my story to find something of their own within it. I want people to be able to feel something in the work, see something of themselves in it, and create their own stories, whether they feel familiar or unfamiliar. The story does not have to be mine.
Colour is equally important. I use it emotionally rather than descriptively. For me, there is something cleansing about colour. It can change the feeling of a painting without removing what lies beneath the surface.
“For me, the mask is not a disguise. It is honesty made visible.”