I love street art. To me, it is the most creative way of bringing neglected areas and spaces back to life. Street art can be colorful and fun, but also educational. Artists often convey powerful messages through their large-scale works.
Another form of large-scale art interventions can be found in metro station design. People spend a lot of time waiting for the metro, and authorities have found ways to make that wait less boring. True, the artists who design stations usually have less creative freedom, but some of their works are nevertheless amazing.
Stockholm Metro System
One of my biggest passions is street art. To me, the gorgeous Stockholm Metro Stations feel like giant pieces of street art. While in Stockholm I took a guided tour around the Metro and learned a bit about its history, names and designs. I liked it so much, that I spent an extra day visiting far away stations.
Though the stations are pretty, I think the whole ‘The Biggest Art Gallery in the World’ thing is a bit exaggerated. Some stations have basic designs with different colored tiles. At the same time, I think the symbolism used in many stations is very clever. Many bear the name of their location and designed in a way to evoke the purpose of such place. Likewise, I enjoyed seeing how design concepts change over time.
Belgrade Street Art
I grew up in Belgrade, so I have been surrounded by street art my whole life. Truth be told, street art was not as impressive back then as it is today. Since the beginning of the 21st Century, there has been an explosion of graffiti and murals across the city.
My favorite area to explore street art in Belgrade is Savamala, an old neighborhood along the Sava River that was long neglected. Another area I love is around the bohemian Skadarska Street. Finally, I enjoy getting lost in Bežanijska Kosa, where there are now dozens of impressive murals.
Street Art in Barcelona
When I moved to Barcelona in 2006, there were not that many graffiti and murals in the city. Unlike Belgrade, Barcelona is full of architectural heritage, and there are very few places suitable for art interventions. However, one neighborhood has always been an exception.
Street art has long decorated the streets and squares of El Raval. This once-rundown neighborhood, part of Barcelona’s Old Town, still hosts some of the city’s best graffiti and murals. I also love the concrete wall in Poble Sec’s Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies, where artists are constantly painting new works.
Street Art in Athens
It wouldn’t be right to talk about street art without mentioning Athens. According to many (including me), it is the world capital of street art. The city is home to thousands of artworks in every shape and color. In fact, there isn’t a single neighborhood without them. During my five years in Athens, I spent days biking around and discovering new gems.
Without a doubt, the best place to look for high-quality graffiti and murals is downtown Athens, particularly the neighborhoods of Psyrri, Gazi, Kerameikos, and Exarcheia. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, venture out to the suburban areas of Korydallos and Nikaia for some off-the-beaten-path surprises.
