Ύδρα 1953

Nikos Nikolaou made this painting, Ύδρα, with oil paint, creating a flattened, graphic scene. The colour palette feels quiet and geometric, with a limited range of colours adding to the painting's still and formal qualities. The surface of the painting is very smooth, without visible brushstrokes. The blocks of colour seem carefully considered, each edge distinct, creating a puzzle-like composition. The muted tones of greys, whites, and browns evoke a sense of calm and quiet observation. Take for example, the repeated rectangles and squares of the windows, notice how their regularity feels very considered, and how their rhythm lends a kind of harmony to the piece. Nikolaou's approach reminds me of Giorgio Morandi's still life paintings, both in its stillness, and its dedication to a small range of tones. Ultimately, Ύδρα is a testament to the power of simplicity, showing how a reduced palette and form can convey a profound sense of place and mood.