photo: Eirini Vourloumis for The New York Times
As evidenced by the universal symbol of hands in prayer, the debt crisis looms in Greece. But in downtown Athens there are signs that the struggles have given birth to an artistic awakening, a recent New York Times article reports.
A work by the Greek street artist Hope is on view at the Kunsthalle Athena as part of an exhibition titled “Summer in the Middle of Winter.” photo: Eirini Vourloumis for The New York Times
“The debt crisis here has created an intriguing bright spot: a burst of artistic activity in response to the national identity crisis it has provoked,” says Rachel Donadio of the NY Times.
A painting by street artist Bleeps.gr photo: Eirini Vourloumis for The New York Times
Donadio continues, “Art galleries are thriving. Street artists paint tiny gems amid the growing downtown squalor. A new generation of filmmakers has captured the air of uncertainty by making the familiar strange.”
Another painting by Bleeps.gr photo: Eirini Vourloumis for The New York Times
Similar to well known British street artist, Banksy, this artist’s identity remains undercover.
image from "Attenberg" by Athina Rachel Tsangari
Greece has submitted the film, “Attenberg,” directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari, to be considered for an Academy Award nomination this year. It’s happened before – creativity and art are not necessarily born of peaceful and easy times.
Rebecca Camhi photo: Eirini Vourloumis for The New York Times
The Times states galleries are thriving, but gallerist Rebecca Camhi clarifies, “People are buying less and less…but there are more visitors.” That art can be a comfort in times of despair, is not a foreign concept.
A work by Lydia Dambassina at the Kunsthalle Athena photo: Eirini Vourloumis for The New York Times
The exhibition pictured above was held at the Kunsthalle Athena, reported to be a “beautifully run-down old building, a warren of rooms with peeling paint, ornate mouldings and spotty wiring.”
A work by the French artist Matthieu Laurette at the Kunsthalle Athena photo: Eirini Vourloumis for The New York Times
Evidently, art hung on moldy walls – a setting which aptly echoes the economic climate. In this photo, a sentiment many of us can relate to during these uncertain times.
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