The walls of Athens recount Greece’s contemporary history as graffiti artists share their views and observations using spray cans.
In an interesting photo report, The Guardian visited Athens and collected several graffiti art works that tell the story of a country in recession.
Young, talented and brave artists who defy police restrictions have taken the initiative to tell their stories or simply decorate the mostly drab streets of downtown Athens.
Impressive works such as the portrait of Plato who had said that cities “will have no rest from evil” paint the picture of a city in peril. Others show several sad-looking men carrying a stack of euro bills and a neo-nazi smashed under the boot of a working class fighter. Some describe more complex political issues such as capitalism domination or forms of political repression.
A favorite subject of graffiti artists is the constant surveillance by an ever-present, tyrannical state. The restless, all-seeing eye is a good example. Other favorite subjects are the worries of young people such as unemployment, lack of dreams and depression.
Some are more optimistic but they belong to the minority. A smiling woman with dark skin and curly hair gives a message of hope for a future multi-cultural society.
The most recent and widely impressive addition in the walls of Athens is the portrait of Loukanikos (Greek for sausage), the brave dog that was present in every riot in Syntagma Square and became the protesters mascot.
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