Ψαρά

005126 Νίκος Nikos Yialouris, Psara, n.d., linoleum cut, 34.5 × 61.5 cm

The artist's father, Georgios Yialouris, came from Psara. Feeling the connection with the place, Nikos often returned there. He depicted the island in numerous artworks, but mainly in drawings and engravings. This particular composition depicts a view of a settlement. In the lower right, the skeleton of a boat can be seen, as a sign of the island's former naval glory. The imposing, two-storey, stone house on the left tells the same story. In the background are smaller buildings and, further back, the barren rock. The print creates to the viewer emotions of deep sadness, the idea of past prosperity, of abandonment. Designed freely, a unique dialogue between white and black planes, with bold, edgy lines within the large, dark surfaces, the composition is one of the artist's most delightful printmaking creations. And at the same time as one of the most melancholic.