I write this post with a ton of ignorance – I really thought I knew a lot about street art, but after travelling to Athens and not being able to name practically any of the artists I spotted, I realise I am far from being a street art connoisseur! So if anyone can let me know who lies behind all this talent, I’d be ever so grateful…
There seems to be street art everywhere in Athens. I sadly didn’t get to go on any street art tours but believe me, you’ll see it everywhere you go. I discovered a lot of it in what was probably one of my favourite Athens neighbourhoods, the edgy Exarchia, known for riots (not that that’s glamorous, but hey that’s history for ya), anarchy and simply being cool.
So excuse the picture overload but I can’t help but share all this rebellious beauty spotted in Athens…
Well, this image is the bomb. Spotted in the super charming area that is Psiri. And I’m kicking myself for not knowing who this is. Not even my somewhat skilled Instagram research has helped me find out – so like I said, if you know, please enlighten me.
How dreamy is this art? It covered an old building in Exarchia perfectly.
Spotted – not just a strange man-sculpture on a balcony, but a cute, dancing and jumping space silhouette. I have no idea who does these little dudes – but wouldn’t they look amazing in Brick Lane?
This gorgeous wall was spotted in the park that I talked briefly about in my recap of Greece – you gotta love a collaboration amongst a bunch of street artists! I am also a bit partial because two prominent Spanish figures are featured in it – the poet Federico García Lorca (absolutely beautiful poetry) who met an unfair and tragic ending, and the flamenco singer Camarón.
Yes guys, I can’t help but love that yucky tongue and saliva touch on the ground.
Stripes on stripes, am I right? I couldn’t help having an #ootd moment in front of this pretty lady…
I actually remember the exact spot of where this cute ice cream is – it’s right next to the restaurant Mama Roux, which I talked about in my previous post here. I’m not sure if this was a commissioned piece – nevertheless it’s a cutie.
I love French artist Ador, so was thrilled to spot this tiny sticker of his within the Acropolis. It’s a great feeling when you see start spotting the work of certain street artists in different countries.
I can officially say I have a favourite Greek street artist – Sonke, the man behind the beautiful lady spotted in the park’s amazing mural and seen once more on the streets of Athens. I love a bit of monochrome not just on my clothes but also with art, as well as great hair – Sonke’s girls tick those boxes.
Gregos!!! I almost died when I spotted one of my favourite street artists (who I’ve talked about here) after discovering the Acropolis. This face looks like an oldie – but it’s still a goodie.
This stunning piece is just outside of what was one of my favourite bar discoveries in Athens, Six d.o.g.s (mentioned here). I have no idea what it says (even though I feel like I should because I’m Spanish and Italian and Spanish are sort of similar) or who it’s be, but it’s a very imposing piece nevertheless.
How beautiful is this piece? I really wish I knew who it was by…
There’s someone in Athens who loves Madonna! You might remember from my #ootd roundup that I got my picture ‘taken’ with Madonna – safe to assume it’s the same artist?
I know, this one is naughty – but I absolutely love it. Spotted in Exarchia – it ties in with the neighbourhood’s spirit perfectly.
These pretty parrots were part of the mural that featured the hot air balloon (second picture).
I think this was a painting done for a restaurant – but I just couldn’t resist having a trompe l’oleil moment.
Blown away is not really enough to describe how I feel about this artist – whose name I do know, thank God – Wild Drawing. His work is the perfect combination of sad, powerful and meaningful. Street art should always keep its rebellious spirit, and if it can have a social impact or at least raise some form of awareness – it makes it 100 times more relevant. The homeless situation seems terrible in London, and I can’t say I know what it’s like in Greece – the image of the homeless man is called “No Land For The Poor” and on the side it states “Dedicated to the poor and homeless here & around the globe.”
I think I have been ‘spoilt’ by London’s street art – it’s so beautiful that you forget its wild spirit a lot of the time. With Athens’ street art, I feel that that wildness is still very much there – it generally all felt a bit darker and edgier than what you get in London nowadays.
So this is the last of my ‘cultural’ posts about Greece and it’s back to some good old fashion stuff – I am little by little catching up to the present, but bare with me a little longer!
Pictures taken by me and my friend between January 28th and February 2nd, 2016 in Athens, Greece.
xxx
