Growing up in the late 80s and the 90s I was accustomed to see lots of ugly graffiti in the streets and walls. This sort of graffiti still exists, but within the last 10-15 years talented street artists emerged in Athens.
The first one I noticed was Yiakou, who at created ethereal and powerful female figures. Unfortunately some of my favorite creations were covered up by posters or painted and became store window displays. Last year I noticed his new creations: pinkish deer that sprung out of fairy tales (the photos featured in this post).You can find some of Yiakou’s creations in Ermou (in the corner with Kallipou street), Athinas, Kalamiotou and Evripidou streets.
Another street artist I come across rather frequently is Sonke. You will notice his black and white long curly-haired girls all over Athens. A breakup was the cause for Sonke to turn from a graffiti artist to a street artist! You can find some of his creations in Stadiou, Klepsydras and Thermopylon streets.
If you like bright colors then you’ll love Achilles creations. A handful of his creations can be found in Sarri Street and its perpendicular streets. The Guardian even featured one of them! Check out Achilles Facebook page to see more of his creations (some haunting ones as well).
Last but not least there is Alex Kataras and his hybrid animals’ creations. I’m ashamed to say that a few of his creations are very close to my home and I only discovered them this year! You will find the vibrant orange creation in Doxatou street Kerameikos, and the Boa Flamingoraffe in Skouze street near Ag. Eirinis square. You can check out Alex’s creations on Behance.
Let me know, is there a particular street artist that you like?
These are all wonderful! I love the black and white swirls the best, and would love to enjoy a drink at that table, so cool! 🙂 Street art is something I always look for!
Indeed the large black and white drawing is beautiful! The table belongs to a cafe/bar in Athens (right under the Acropolis) and it’s nice for coffee/drinks especially in the summer!
I love love love it!! This is beautiful 😉 Filakia,
Amy
Glad you like it Amy!
Υπέροχα καλλθτεχνήματα τα οποία απέδωσες τέλεια φωτογραφικά! Είσαι εκπληκτική!!
Σ’ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Beautiful !
These are really cool street artists! Love them all. Planning a trip back to Greece, and in particular Athens as part of my honeymoon so hopefully I can stumble upon some of these masterpieces! It definitely shows another side to Athens that I haven’t seen!
Most of these street art creations are downtown Athens, so you’ll probably come across them! If you need any suggestions about Athens (and Greece in general) let me know!
I just loved the street art scene in Athens, there were so many amazing pieces around, I couldn’t take my eyes out of them! My favourite was, without any doubt, Sonke! At some point I even googled where to find his (?) works and tracked them down!
Indeed Sonke creates beautiful street art and yes it is a guy! His real name is Alexander.
Wherever I travel, I stay on the lookout for street art. Enjoyed your post!
Πεφτω κι εγω αρκετα συχνα στις μπουκλωτες κοπελιες 😉
Αλλος ενας γκραφιτας που εχει ενδιαφερον ειναι ο ino, χαρακτηριστικο το ασπρομαυρο εργο του στον τοιχο πολυκατοικιας στην Εμ. ΜΠΕΝΆΚΗ & Κωλέττη στα Εξαρχεια.