Exploring the Art and Atmosphere of an Abandoned Hospital in Athens through the Eyes of Local Graffiti Artists
Athens, Greece is home to many accomplished graffiti artists, each with their own distinct style. Graffiti art in Greece is still often stigmatized as vandalism. This perception has led to a lack of support for graffiti artists and limited opportunities for them to showcase their work.
I followed the two artists (PATS & KROOK-SMUCKER), as they made their way into the abandoned hospital in the suburbs of Athens. It was a risky move as we had to sneak in illegally, climbing over fences and navigating through dilapidated buildings. But the thrill of documenting these talented artists in the act of creating their graffiti art made it all worth it. The abandoned hospital provided the perfect canvas for the artists to showcase their skills, and the contrast between the decaying architecture and the vibrant colors of the graffiti made for some truly striking photographs. It was a unique and exciting experience, and I feel privileged to have been able to document it. I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for their tenacity and creativity. As the famous street artist Banksy once said, "Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don't come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they're having a piss."
This project not only gave me a new appreciation for the art form of graffiti, but it also reminded me of the power of self-expression and the importance of bringing beauty to unexpected places.