Summer 1968

Yiannis Moralis made this striking composition using oil paint on canvas. Notice the tension between flat shapes and implied volume, achieved through the skillful application of black and white. The artist's hand is evident in the brushstrokes, which vary from bold, gestural marks to more delicate lines. The seemingly simple palette belies a complex layering of tones, creating a sense of depth and texture. The painting’s making speaks to a tradition of modernist painting, but also to the craft of sign painting, where simple materials are used to create bold, graphic images, though typically with smoother surfaces. This connection adds a layer of cultural significance, placing the work within a lineage of both fine art and commercial art. Ultimately, by attending to the materiality and making of this artwork, we gain a deeper appreciation for its visual impact and cultural resonance.