The art trail

One of the first things I do when I come to Athens is go to Kolonaki and have a look at my favourite private galleries.

We take the bus to Syntagma, which is currently full of placards and tents, and then we walk towards Kriezotou Street.

first stop Zoumboulakis Galleries, which has changed from selling prints, paintings and a few sculptures to being more of a design centre

getting ready for the beach, down to the pebbles on the floor!  Isn't that light wonderful?

Next stop the ADC centre on Valaoritou Street, to look at Eleni Varnadaki's fantastic ceramics.

these are huge! The only place you could put them is on the floor or the terrace.

this is another sphere but of a more manageable size

Next, Gallery Ekfrasi, still on Valaoritou Street. We were not very keen on what was exhibited here this time, so no photographs.

We only have to go next door for the Contemporary Greek Art Institute, which has replaced Nees Morphes gallery

'Le Corbusier Centre', by Nikos Haralambides, mixed media

and now we walk up Pindarou Str. and stop at Martinos antiques shop.

Chairs from Fratelli, Saporiti, c.1970

and another view

and now we move on to Skoufa Street, Skoufa Gallery, nothing very exciting this time

and on to Kolonaki Square and Zoumboulakis gallery where we hit the jackpot!

Two of my favourite artists are exhibiting here this summer and I was very pleased to see their new work.

Breathing circle, by Danai Stratou

Notia Akti 2, Tropical Seashore, by Christos Kechagioglou

I have been interested in Christos Kechagioglou's naif work for quite a few years now: I am fascinated by the bright colours, particularly the blues, his play with perspective and the dreamlike atmosphere present in his paintings.

Notia Akati 1, Veranda Lemon Tree, by Christos Kechagioglou

Flowers, by Christos Kechagioglou

Anatoliki Akti 2, Footpath, by Christos Kechagioglou

Varsanas, by Christos Kechagioglou

Photograph by Katerina Kaloudi

I love Katerina Kaloudi's photographs, particularly the 'Invisible Contacts' series from three years ago. She always photographs things to do with the sea. 'Invisible Contacts' consisted of photographs of rocks, last year's work was photographs of the sea and this year is what you see here: shapes on sand and a play with light and shadow - ingenious.

Photograph by Katerina Kaloudi

Photograph by Katerina Kaloudi.

The Indignants in Athens

People here are still trying to come to terms with what happened last week, e.g. the excessive deployment of 12,000 riot police during the two days when the vote on the government's midterm fiscal programme was taking place; the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of teargas and other chemicals against largely peaceful protesters; the firing of teargas into the main hallway of Syntagma Square metro station, where hundreds of peaceful demonstrators, wearing masks or holding clothing over their mouths and noses, had gathered to escape the suffocating atmosphere above. Questions are still being asked about the role of provocateurs following pictures shown on television of rioters with their faces covered, one of whom was carrying a crowbar, apparently in conversation with riot police before being allowed to pass a police line and approach Parliament.

Many are convinced that all of the above was intended to clear the square of the peaceful demonstrators, the Indignants, that have camped there and held protests this past month.

The numbers have reduced dramatically. There are still a lot of banners and placards around, and lots of people are still camping there.

More people join them in the evenings.

There was a large convoy of motorbikes last night

lots of people walk around, sit on pavements, listen to the bands that are there to entertain and to empower

but there is no question that people are afraid and most are staying away.

Unfortunately, 'the end of fear' did not last long...

Flowers

Another gorgeous display in the window of Antonello in Kolonaki

this is the other window, the theme being white this time

another view

and the entrance to the shop. Stunning!

Gazi

Gazi is the hippest, trendiest place to be at the moment. The old gas works have been transformed into an art gallery and the area is full of restaurants, bars, art galleries and loft living.

Next to the old gas works is the large square where young people congregate in the evenings to hang around amongst all the street sellers and people rushing to get the Metro.

All around the square are bars and restaurants.

This is Mamacas, one of the first and still one of the best 'new style tavernas' where we will return later in the evening.

but now we are heading towards the old gas works

as there is a craft fair in the grounds

in the shadow of the old gasometer.

the stalls are numerous and by the time we leave it is dark

and it is time to go to Mamacas for a meal which will include the best fava I have ever had.

Benaki Museum, Pireos

The Pireos Street annexe of the Benaki Museum is one of my favourite Museums

I love the building

I love the revolving sculptures outside

I love the huge entrance.

The building consists of four sides with a courtyard in the middle

and now up the ramp that leads to the entrance for today's exhibition, Parallel Nippon, Contemporary Japanese Architecture, 1996-2006,  which is on the second floor

the ramp continues inside leading to the first and second floor galleries and has views of the courtyard

 

 even though it is very early and the restaurant is empty it is now time for lunch for us

we decide to sit outside

 

and then a look at the shop which is the best museum shop I have come across, with ceramics, jewellery, paintings, prints and sculptures from various artists. The jewellery is the best but it is difficult to photograph

but here are some fish

 

a handbag

 

Alexandros Fountouklis' birds

 

two hangings.

 

On our way out, a last look at the mosaic mural by Tsarouhis.

Vouliagmeni Bay

Ouzos and an evening meal at Oceanis overlooking Vouliagmeni bay.

We got here just after sunset

in the distance the dramatic backdrop to Vouliagmeni lake, a lacuna

and then it got darker and the lights came on...

it is equally beautiful in the dark

on the way back, a glimpse of the newly built church.