Nikos Engonopoulos

Greek painter and surrealist poet

Nikos Engonopoulos - Greek painter and surrealist poet
Born

October 21st, 1907
118 years ago

Died

October 31st, 1985
40 years ago — 78 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Greece

Links & References

Born in 1907, the figure emerged as a significant artist in 20th-century Greece. A synthesis of painting and poetry characterized the works. Engonopoulos studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts and later in Paris, where exposure to surrealism influenced his style. The painting style included vibrant colors and geometric forms, combining elements of Greek mythology and modern themes. Poetry, written in both Greek and French, shared the same surrealist inclinations. Engonopoulos also engaged in translations and literary critiques, contributing to the Greek literary scene.

Created iconic surrealist paintings

Published the poetry collection 'Neon'

Introduced surrealist elements into Greek art

Other People Born on October 21st

Martin Gardner

Mathematician and author of 'Mathematical Games'
Born
October 21st, 1914 111 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 2010 15 years ago — 95 years old

A mathematician and author contributed significantly to popular mathematics through writings in magazines and books. Garnered attention for the 'Mathematical Games' column in Scientific American, which ran for 25 years, exploring recreational mathematics and puzzles. Authored over 70 books covering mathematics, philosophy, and magic, spreading knowledge of mathematical concepts to a broad audience. Engaged with the scientific community and participated in various mathematical organizations, achieving respect among peers for creativity and insight in mathematical thinking.

Continue Reading

Tom Brandstater

American football quarterback
Born
October 21st, 1984 41 years ago

Played college football at Fresno State and earned a starting position as a quarterback. Selected in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Played for the Broncos and later for the Miami Dolphins. Also spent time on the practice squads of the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints.

Continue Reading

Dean Collis

Rugby league player with NRL experience
Born
October 21st, 1985 40 years ago

This athlete played in the National Rugby League (NRL) primarily for the Wests Tigers and the Cronulla Sharks. Debuting in the 2006 season, he contributed to his teams through strong performances on the field. During his career, he amassed a total of 130 NRL appearances, showcasing skills as a versatile backline player. Collis also represented New South Wales Country in representative matches, underscoring his abilities in the sport.

Continue Reading

Catherine Hardwicke

Film director of 'Twilight' franchise
Born
October 21st, 1955 70 years ago

A film director, producer, and screenwriter focused on impactful visual storytelling. Directed the film 'Twilight', which became a cultural phenomenon and achieved significant box-office success. Also directed 'Thirteen', a drama that received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Hardwicke's work often explores complex themes related to adolescence and identity.

Continue Reading

Emperor Higashiyama of Japan

Japanese Emperor and cultural patron
Born
October 21st, 1675 350 years ago
Died
1710 315 years ago — 35 years old

Reigned from 1687 to 1709, this emperor was part of the Yamato dynasty in Japan. His reign coincided with the Edo period, a time of relative peace and stability. Focused on cultural development, the emperor promoted the arts and religious practices. The imperial court flourished under his guidance, with a particular interest in poetry and traditional Japanese culture. The emperor's personal residence became a center for artistic expression, fostering various forms of literature and visual arts. His reign contributed to the preservation and enhancement of the Japanese cultural heritage.

Continue Reading

Julian Cope

English singer-songwriter and author
Born
October 21st, 1957 68 years ago

A prominent figure in the post-punk music scene, this singer-songwriter gained fame as the frontman of the band Teardrop Explodes. Following the band's disbandment, pursued a solo career, releasing influential albums such as 'World Shut Your Mouth' and 'Peggy Suicide'. Worked also as an author, writing books on music and culture, showcasing an interest in archaeology and ancient history. Engaged in various creative projects, including visual art and poetry.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 31st

Erdal İnönü

Turkish politician and physicist
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2007 18 years ago — 81 years old

A physicist and politician, served as the Prime Minister of Turkey from 1993 to 1996. Elected as the mayor of Şişli, a district in Istanbul, known for efforts to modernize urban infrastructure. Played a key role in economic policy and democratic reforms during his tenure. Post-political career included contributions to academia, focusing on science and technology initiatives in Turkey.

Continue Reading

Hal Anger

Biophysicist and engineer, inventor of PET
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old

A biophysicist and engineer contributed to the development of positron emission tomography (PET), a powerful imaging technique used in medical diagnostics. Worked on the design of the first clinical PET scanner in the 1970s. This technology revolutionized the ability to visualize metabolic processes in the body, providing crucial insights into various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. Published numerous research papers detailing advancements in imaging technologies and contributed significantly to the fields of nuclear medicine and radiology.

Continue Reading

John VIII Palaiologos

Byzantine emperor during the fall
Born
1390 635 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1448 577 years ago — 58 years old

Reign spanned from 1425 to 1448 as the last Byzantine emperor before the fall of Constantinople. Focused on uniting Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches to gain support against the Ottoman Empire. Faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and military threats. Attempted to secure aid from Western Europe, but responses were limited. Died in 1448, just before the city fell to the Ottomans.

Continue Reading

Johnny Kucks

Baseball player; 1958 World Series champion
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 80 years old

Kucks played Major League Baseball as a pitcher from 1955 to 1960. He started his career with the New York Yankees and later played for the Kansas City Athletics. In 1958, he was part of the Yankees team that won the World Series against the Milwaukee Braves. Kucks contributed to the Yankees' success during this period and was involved in key games throughout the season. After leaving the Yankees, Kucks continued to play in the league but did not replicate the same level of success. He retired from professional baseball in 1960.

Continue Reading

P. W. Botha

South African politician, 8th Prime Minister
Born
January 12th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2006 19 years ago — 90 years old

Served as Prime Minister from 1978 to 1984, implementing policies central to the apartheid government. Played a key role in the National Party and participated in various legislative reforms aimed at maintaining the political structure of apartheid South Africa. Later became the first Executive President from 1984 to 1989 under a new constitutional framework that consolidated the powers of the presidency. Involved in international diplomacy and negotiations during a period marked by internal unrest and increasing international pressure against apartheid.

Continue Reading

MF Doom

English-American rapper and producer
Born
July 13th, 1971 54 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2020 5 years ago — 49 years old

An influential figure in underground hip-hop, gained recognition for complex lyrics and unique production style. Adopted the persona of a supervillain, characterized by a metal mask and elaborate stage presence. Released acclaimed albums, including 'Madvillainy' with Madlib, which is celebrated for its innovative sound and lyrical depth. Contributed to numerous collaborations and projects, showcasing versatility and creativity in the genre.

Continue Reading