The Great Bar in the Sky // over Athens

By law, demonstration will be considered illegal in Greece, unless they have received prior approval and there's a person to be held legally and financially responsible for ... anything that occurs.

https://thepressproject.gr/i-omada-nomikis-voithias-gia-tin-antisyntagmatikotita-tou-nomoschediou-periorismou-ton-diadiloseon/

Level of relation to COVID and public health: 0.

Anticonstitutional legislation in a time of crisis: over 9000.

So, that also happened: former social space for the local community - now police department .  We love those occasions when our strategy to ensure social cohersion can be summed up so succinctly.

https://thepressproject.gr/stin-athina-tou-bakogianni-den-yparchi-choros-gia-allilengyi-ton-pire-i-dimotiki-astynomia/

Reality shames our imagination. When we did the ''no benches'' thing as a city council move to avert people from hanging out in public space, we did not imagine our dystopian fiction would fall so close:

https://www.flash.gr/greece/1650649/o-dimos-athinaion-nyxta-ksilose-ta-pagkakia-apo-tin-plateia-viktorias?fbclid=IwAR2rqWleJFcuy6UEijNISmja8ckW3Pl8GgPPuX_nhchZoCxcTLujEgCE38I

But the truth is: we lied. We did not come up with this idea by the shear power of our imagination. More by observation, memory and retention. As this has happened  again and again, to relocate homeless people, people with addictions and now, refugees. And thus, we hope an ongoing escalating trend becomes clearly visible.

We celebrate another inventive photocollage of uknown creator > 
https://www.facebook.com/1057840987/posts/10219349806510057/?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid...

A kind reminder of our cultural priorities.

Enjoy :)

We'd like to share with you the inspiration behind the painting of the Megalourgeio (former Metaksourgeio) area: 

Artist unknown - WANTED!
(if you know who made this image, please let us know!) 

We love the sarcastic comment on how the foreign to the local landscape,  largely imported aesthetic of the new architectural plans for the Hellenikon area is aligned with the preexisting local culture.  : P 

For those unfamiliar, you are seeing plastic (absolutely not recyclable) chairs, a beloved amenity in most Greek fairs and folk celebrations. Point of interest: those chairs were also largely imported, when they were introduced to the local culture. 

For further context, please find below:   

https://greece.greekreporter.com/2019/10/08/inspire-athens-mohegans-plans-for-new-ellinikon-casino-revealed-video/?fbclid=IwAR0MG_Yi7lzAJiPmwbG8Ex2idZbVA6k7mnlR10BzymFgSpbpDeB1Y_AaV18

''Μια καλημέρα είναι, πες την και ας πέσει κάτω. ''

[Greek saying: ''Wish 'good morning', even if they don't wish back''] 

An artist decided to draw with chalk the wish 'Good Morning' on the surface of the new pedestrian street in Panepistimiou. 

Here's the enlightening governmental response: 

https://www.news247.gr/koinonia/kinitopoiisi-toy-kratikoy-michanismoy-gia-mia-kalimera.7670483.html?fbclid=IwAR15bgvQpvQlGh-1urnnLUVP5D20YymkiL7L5WYF_owXi_V7Rz6-AUSC320

Our notes:

We reserved a special spot for graffiti in our fictional Athens to highlight a dimension of public art, which is still marginalized. We wanted to show how we, the citizens, use public space for self-expression and communication. 

In line with our Greek society's 'Zero Tolerance' mandate, we recently realized that even temporary, 'non-destructive' public art expressions are not tolerated.

As the artist was informed by the police-officer, 'the public space belongs to the government". Which apparently is not us. :) 

Although clearly deluded, is still very interesting to be informed that such misconception are voiced, and by voices of authority.

Paint the world, paint it colourful and leave wishes to all - please.
We need it more than 550€ worth of planting pots.
https://www.news247.gr/koinonia/mpakogiannis-oi-zarntinieres-echoyn-eggyisi-kai-zygizoyn-os-ena-tono.7670646.html 

Public gatherings to celebrate the new fountain in Omonoia square during lockdown? 

Apparently it is absolutely sensible according to the governmental authorities.

At least, some are now visibly wearing masks. 
[Please excuse the vitriolic comment - irrationality is my kryptonite.]  

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Εγκαίνια συντριβανιού εν μέσω αποκλεισμού . . . Την ώρα που κομβικές λειτουργίες της πόλης αποκλείονται, κάποιες άλλες συναθροίσεις αναδεικνύονται από ότι φαίνεται ως αναπόσπαστες.

Θα αποφύγω να κάνω άλλα λογοπαίγνια για τις μάσκες, το υπόσχομαι. . . 

https://www.in.gr/2020/05/15/greece/plateia-syntrivani-epestrepse-stin-omonoia/

Please note that full-screen mode, as well as access from mobile devices, are not fully supported yet. Thank you for your patience! :D