Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Michalis Goumas?
Michalis Goumas is a contemporary Greek visual artist working with photography and oil painting. His practice focuses on the human body, water, light, and mythology, drawing references from classical and Renaissance aesthetics. His work is exhibited internationally and collected by private collectors in Greece, Athens, the Cyclades, and worldwide.
2. What kind of art does Michalis Goumas create?
He creates contemporary fine art photography and original oil paintings on canvas or wood. The two practices remain distinct. Photography explores bodies immersed in water and light, often inspired by the Aegean and Mediterranean environment, while painting focuses on symbolic, mythological, and emotional narratives through portraits and nautical or Aegean themes.
3. How long does shipping usually take?
Shipping time depends on the artwork’s size, medium, and destination. An indicative delivery timeframe is 5 to 11 working days after dispatch. Delays may occur depending on the season, courier workload, destination country, or customs inspections. In some cases, artworks may be temporarily held by customs authorities.
4. Do you ship artworks worldwide?
Yes. Artworks are shipped worldwide using professional couriers, primarily FedEx, allowing collectors in Greece, Europe, the Cyclades, and overseas to purchase works directly through the official website.
5. Are there customs fees for countries outside the European Union?
Yes. For shipments to countries outside the European Union, buyers are responsible for any customs duties, import VAT, or local handling fees, according to their country’s regulations. These fees are determined by local authorities and are not charged by the artist.
6. Do you accept intra-community (EU) VAT-exempt sales?
Yes. Intra-community VAT-exempt sales are accepted when a valid EU VAT number is provided at checkout. The VAT number must be eligible under the official EU VIES system.
Verification link:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/
7. Are the artworks limited editions?
Yes. All photographic works are released as strictly limited editions. Once an edition is sold out, it is never reproduced, ensuring rarity and collectible value for buyers in Greece and internationally.
8. How many editions are available per artwork?
Edition sizes vary depending on the artwork and medium. Each edition number is clearly stated on the certificate of authenticity and remains permanently fixed.
9. What materials are used for the prints?
Prints are produced using museum-grade archival processes, including fine art paper, acrylic glass, or metal, depending on the edition. These materials are selected for long-term preservation, color stability, and professional gallery presentation.
10. Are the artworks signed?
Yes. All artworks are personally signed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
11. Can I purchase original paintings?
Yes. Original oil paintings on canvas or wood are available. Each painting is a unique, one-of-a-kind work, often inspired by the human form, mythology, and Aegean or maritime imagery.
12. What themes does the work explore?
The work explores the human body, underwater environments, rebirth, desire, memory, mythology, oil painting traditions, Aegean identity, and contemporary portraiture. Many works resonate strongly with queer audiences through intimacy, vulnerability, male beauty, and emotional openness, while remaining universal.
13. Is the work connected to queer contemporary art?
Some works engage with queer intimacy and the male body, particularly through tenderness, physical presence, and emotional exposure. The practice remains open and human-centered, prioritizing connection over labels.
14. What is the “Summer Renaissance” series?
Summer Renaissance is a limited-edition photography series inspired by classical sculpture, Renaissance painting, and the relationship between the human body and water. The series draws strong visual references from the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, combining underwater photography with natural light.
15. Where has Michalis Goumas exhibited?
His work has been exhibited in Europe and the United States and is part of private collections worldwide, including collectors based in Greece and major cultural centers.
16. Is the artwork suitable for collectors and galleries?
Yes. The work follows professional gallery standards, controlled editions, archival production methods, and consistent documentation, making it suitable for private collectors and gallery contexts.
17. Are artworks insured during shipping?
Yes. All artworks are fully insured during transportation until they safely reach the collector.
18. How are artworks packaged?
Each artwork is professionally packed using custom protective materials designed for international transport and long-distance shipping.
19. How long does production take before shipping?
Production time varies depending on the medium. Typical production ranges from 3 to 5 working days before dispatch, excluding shipping transit time.
20. Can I request custom print sizes?
Custom sizes may be available for selected works, depending on the edition, medium, and production method.
21. Do you accept commissions?
Painting commissions are considered selectively and on a limited basis, depending on concept, scale, and availability.
22. What is included with the artwork?
Each purchase includes the artwork, a certificate of authenticity, and all necessary export or shipping documentation required for delivery in Greece or abroad.
23. Are colors accurate compared to the website images?
Images are professionally color-managed, but minor variations may occur due to screen calibration differences and viewing conditions.
24. Is nudity part of the work?
Some works include artistic nudity, approached with a classical, respectful, and sculptural sensibility rooted in art history.
25. Is the artwork a good investment?
Limited editions, controlled production, international exhibitions, and consistent artistic practice contribute to long-term collectible value, though artworks should always be acquired for personal connection first.
26. Can I resell the artwork in the future?
Yes. Collectors may resell artworks on the secondary market in accordance with standard art market practices.
27. Do you collaborate with galleries?
Yes. Selected works are available through gallery collaborations, while others are offered directly through the artist’s official website for collectors in Greece and internationally.
28. Can interior designers or architects collaborate?
Yes. Interior designers and architects are welcome to inquire for placement projects, curated selections, and collector guidance.
29. Does the artist publish books?
Yes. Michalis Goumas has published a fine art book connected to his photographic work and broader artistic practice.
30. How can I contact the artist?
Contact is available through the website contact form or via email at info@michalisgoumas.art.
31. Where can I see new works first?
New works are first announced through the official website and selected social media channels. Subscribing to the website ensures early access to releases and updates.
32. What happens if an artwork is damaged during shipping?
All artworks are carefully packed and fully insured during transportation. In the rare case that an artwork is damaged during shipping, it will be replaced or remade at no additional cost, subject to availability. Damage must be reported immediately upon delivery with photographic documentation.
33. What is a limited edition photography print?
A limited-edition photography print is produced in a strictly controlled number of copies. Each print is numbered and never reproduced once the edition is sold out, ensuring rarity, long-term value, and collectible integrity.
34. What is a certificate of authenticity?
A certificate of authenticity is an official document signed by the artist that verifies the artwork’s originality. It includes the artist’s name, artwork title, year, medium, dimensions, edition number (if applicable), and signature, guaranteeing that the artwork is an authentic original work.