Dimitris Papaioannou is a Greek artist who gained early recognition as a painter and comics artist, before his focus shifted to the performing arts. He was a student of the iconic Greek painter Yannis Tsarouchis before studying at the Athens School of Fine Arts. Papaioannou formed the company company Edafos Dance Theatre in 1986. He gained global recognition as the creator of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.