The Street Is My Gallery

The Street Is My Gallery

Ended October 2015
While on its way to recovery, Greece is still feeling the effects of a six-year economic crisis and its dramatic impact on the daily lives of its people. The anger and disillusionment, coupled with an almost innate resilience, sense of hope, and humor, has found the most unlikely spokespeople: a thriving community of street artists, who have transformed Greece into an “international cradle” of street art.
This exhibition highlights the work of more than ten such street artists, whose art brightens the frayed walls of abandoned buildings in many neglected neighborhoods, mostly in the capital city of Athens. In the process, their art navigates issues that range from economic hardship to racism, violence, immigration, social alienation, and even environmental concerns.
Taking art into the streets, these artists have created a “social diary in public display.” Some have even come to consider the economic crisis as a source of inspiration and an opportunity to reinvent their art and reassess their lives.
In doing so, they have also provided an outlet for the often raw emotions of the people, especially the young, helping them navigate their own reactions and views, and inspiring a flurry of creative activity and initiatives to improve their surroundings and lives.
The exhibition includes works by street artists we have not been able to identify. Download the Street Art exhibit guide with many of the street artists’ biographies.
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibition are those of the artists and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Hellenic Museum.