A Greek from Constantinople and son of a cotton fabric merchant, his talent was passed on to him by his mother who was a portrait painter. From a very young age, Yanni started experimenting on fabric paintings and moved into graphic design where he became familiar with industrial photographic reproductions developing almost three-dimensional images. His graphic arts skills served as a platform for his sculptural structures. Influenced mainly by the Minoan and Cycladic era, he often manages to evoke such images in his concepts. His art is collected worldwide.

He has participated in major shows and been awarded prizes for several pieces of his work. Many galleries across the world sell his artwork. Yanni through the years has received worldwide recognition, participating in the OECD’s art auctionIn Paris 2013, exhibiting in Toyamura museum of Arts 2003, winning the national exhibition prize in Athens by the Greece Ministry of Culture in 1982 for the sculpture ‘’Eros’’ and more.

The Yanni Gallery has been characterized as a "cultural meeting spot" by many. In the mid-eighties, the artist established his gallery in the historical centre of Athens. That gave him the unique opportunity to constantly exhibit his artwork. People from all over the world visit the gallery. The artist's purpose is to communicate his artistic qualities to the viewer through his creations while sharing his views and values. In his space, you will find Yanni's classic creations as well as a great collection of his latest works, from sculptures to paintings, prints but also jewellery.