S-60-69 1969

Nassos Daphnis made this painting, S-60-69, at some point in his career, and what strikes me is the clean precision of it. It feels like a screen print, but it’s paint, meticulously applied. The primary colors, yellow, red, and blue, are so flat and bold, giving off this very 60’s, almost pop art vibe. Look closely and you will see these concentric circles and diamond shapes. They seem so simple, but the way they’re arranged creates a dynamic tension. The colors vibrate against each other, it’s a visual game of push and pull. Daphnis had a background in both art and science, and you can see it here. There is this mix of rational order and playful experimentation that reminds me a bit of Bridget Riley, but with a warmer, more human touch. Ultimately, it’s a testament to the idea that art doesn’t always have to be complicated to be engaging. Sometimes, less really is more.