A dispute over a fake collage attributed to visual artist George Gavriel has intensified, with the artist confirming that he will file a complaint to the police after the image, falsely presented as his own work, spread across social media triggering backlash, threats and ultimately the withdrawal of his exhibition in Paphos.
Speaking on Politis Radio, Gavriel said the entire episode stemmed from a fabricated artwork circulating online. “We will be filing a complaint today with the police for the fake painting that was circulated, and based on this painting the whole story unfolded,” he said.
Gavriel stressed that the collage was not created by him, but was instead composed by DISY MP and deputy party leader Efthymios Diplaros. “He took pieces from various works of mine and combined them made a collage, as we say,” he explained, adding that the image misled the public into believing it was his creation, provoking intense reactions aimed at both him and his gallerist.
Diplaros says collage was already made
For his part, Diplaros stated that he did not create the digital collage but merely shared it after finding it already assembled online.
The artist said his work is meant to reflect the realities and anxieties of contemporary society. “I create these pieces to depict the situation in our country and in the world. Namely corruption, the decay of society, militarisation, the fascistic tendencies in Europe, the rise of policing. All these repulsive phenomena I try to translate into my work and share these concerns,” he said.
Gavriil defended artistic freedom, noting that art is not meant only to please. “Art can offend and provoke reactions. It is not only to please the eye or decorate our homes,” he said. He stressed that his body of work extends far beyond religious themes, covering landscapes, daily life and social issues.
Reactions from theologians and the Church
Theologian Theodoros Kyriakou said that Gavriel has made clear the collage is not his creation, recalling previous controversies surrounding his work. He argued that any criminal liability would require proving intent, which is difficult, and noted that the artist has also contributed positively, for example illustrating a primary school religious studies textbook. “Art does not kill freedom of expression,” he added.
The spokesperson of the Archbishopric of Cyprus, Christakis Efthathiou, told CNA that the gallery’s decision to cancel the exhibition was correct, describing the disputed collage as “a brutal provocation to the religious sentiment of believers, devoid of the respect that should accompany the notion of art.” He added that the work “cannot be considered art or free expression but belongs to a sphere of toxicity that negates culture.”
Diplaros also maintained to CNA that Gavriel’s artworks “do not constitute art but blasphemy,” arguing that they offend “the sacred symbols of the Orthodox faith and the religious conscience of millions.” He added that freedom of expression should not become a pretext for insulting religious beliefs and pointed to potential criminal implications under the Penal Code.
Artist vows to continue despite backlash
Despite the uproar, Gavriil said he will not be deterred. “Painting is my life and I will continue to paint as it expresses me. Regardless of this war being waged, I believe there are people who appreciate and understand my work.” He insisted the public, not political or religious actors, should judge art.
This article was originally posted on Politis' cultural page Parathyro