Πυργί

000370 Nikos Yialouris, Pyrgi, n.d., Indian ink on cardboard, 83.5 × 36 cm

The medieval architecture and the geometric decoration of the facades of the houses, unique in Greece, have made Pyrgi one of the most famous, emblematic places of Chios. Yialouris, in his long artistic career, was moved by the distinctive village. From time to time, he made drawings, engravings, and paintings on the settlement, as well as studies of the geometric jewels. This particular drawing should be dated around 1970, and it appears to be a draft for an engraving. It depicts one of the characteristic alleys in Pyrgi, with its tall houses and the doxarades, i.e., the compound arches. The drawing, although realistic, is distinguished by loose lines, the loose painting of the vertical walls, and the playful character of the black and white shapes. This is an excellent example of Yialouris's mature designs, which reveals not only his realistic mastery but also his willingness to express himself in a clearly subjective way.