Cypriot artist and writer Andreas Karayian dies at 83

Cypriot painter and author Andreas Karayian passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the age of 83 following recent health complications. Born in Nicosia in 1943, he initially studied medicine in Athens before transitioning to art, training in London and Stuttgart. His work, which frequently addressed themes of identity, sexuality, and the male body, was considered pioneering and transgressive in the context of the conservative Cypriot society of his time. Among his notable works are the "Sailors" series and the "Cyprus 1983–1985" trilogy. Karayian represented Cyprus at the Venice Biennale in 2001 and 2006. The Ministry of Culture confirmed that his funeral will be conducted at public expense. Parliament President Annita Demetriou expressed her condolences, noting that the legislative body had honored him for his cultural contributions just months before his death. His career spanned decades, earning him multiple state literature awards for his novels.