Artwork
Σπουδή για το Γράμμα Β (V)

Σπουδή για το Γράμμα Β (V) is a drawing by Chryssa (Vardea-Mavromichali). It dates from 1962 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus. This work is a study for a neon sculpture by Chryssa, a Greek-American artist.
About this work
The lines around it wobble, soft edges against the sharp letter.
You see a bold, angular letter B drawn in black ink. Tiny dots fill the shape, like scattered seeds. The lines around it wobble, soft edges against the sharp letter.
Chryssa loved signs and symbols. She once traced words from neon signs in New York. This drawing feels alive, like a letter mid-breathe.
Check out how she layers dots inside the lines next. Look up Chryssa (Vardea-Mavromichali) (1933-2013).
Overview
This work is a study for a neon sculpture by Chryssa, a Greek-American artist. It features a bold, angular letter 'B' drawn in black ink, filled with tiny dots that give the impression of movement.
Subject & Meaning
The letter 'B' is isolated and transformed into a plastic shape, reflecting Chryssa's fascination with language, communication, and symbols. The use of a single letter from the Latin alphabet underscores her interest in the fundamental elements of written language.
Technique & Style
The drawing showcases Chryssa's experimentation with form and texture, using tiny dots to fill the letter 'B' and creating soft edges around its sharp lines. This technique anticipates her later work with neon tubes, where she would achieve luminous intensity and balance through colour and form.
History & Provenance
Created in 1962, this study is part of Chryssa's early exploration of letters and language, which began when she moved to New York City and became fascinated with urban signage and neon billboards.
Artist & collection
Artist
Chryssa Vardea-Mavromichali (Greek: Χρυσά Βαρδέα-Μαυρομιχάλη; December 31, 1933 – December 23, 2013) was a Greek American artist who worked in a wide variety of media.
Museum
Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus
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