Σφίγγα

000551 Nikos Yialouris, Sphinx, 1989, Indian ink on paper, 90.5 × 61 cm

Inspired by the tragic events of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, as well as by the wounds left by the Greek junta (1967-1975), Yialouris began working on the series “We Are the Statues.” The first of his compositions featuring the Sphinx also date to the mid-1970s. Of course, beyond its other symbolisms, the hybrid creature is also a symbol of Chios: it was the island’s ancient emblem. That is, Yialouris’s use of the Sphinx signifies his enduring, deep connection with the island. This particular drawing was created in 1989 and bears, in the lower right corner, the enigmatic inscription: “At dawn I waited / for the words of the Meltem / to solve the riddle of the blind / Sphinx.” The mythical creature is a free interpretation of the renowned Archaic sculpture from the National Archaeological Museum of Athens—a Sphinx from a funerary stele discovered in Spata, Attica (inv. no. 28). With his distinctive expressionist style, heavy lines, and gestural handling of ink and reed pen, the artist creates a powerful work—an excellent example of his mature artwork.