Kostas Papanikolaou was born in Rizovouni, Preveza, in 1959. He studied painting at the Athens School of Fine Arts under professors Υ. Moralis and D. Mytaras (1979-1985). He held his first solo exhibition at the "Epoches" Art Gallery in Kifissia (1986), with paintings that were part of his diploma project.

In his painting, he focuses on themes such as landscape and contemporary ethnography in urban or rural environments, through which he cultivates a sense of timelessness. With a strong personal style, he belongs to the New Representation movement and is considered one of its most important representatives.

He has held numerous solo exhibitions and participated in many group exhibitions, while also being extensively involved in book illustration. His works are held in private and public collections. He lives and works in Athens and Poros.