In his first solo exhibitions in Hydra (1961) and Athens (1964), he presented a painting style with quite abstract elements, inspired by life in the popular neighborhoods and the islands. When he presented the ‘Refugees’ at the ‘Merlin’ gallery in Athens in 1964, the exhibition was visited by Giannis Tsarouchis and the painter Giorgos Anastasiadis. ‘What do you think of Kokkinidis’ work?’ Anastasiadis asked the great master. ‘Look and see,’ he replied, ‘he is a painter who will either make progress in Greece or disappear.’ Life provided its own answer.
Source: https://www.sansimera.gr