Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The ancient Acropolis looms over Athens like an untouchable beacon of godliness – tourists making the pilgrimage armed with bum-bags and bucket hats are like ants climbing to its summit.
The streets below tell a different story. With more than 2,000 graffiti and street artists painting its walls, Athens is fast becoming a mecca for the contemporary.
“I was arrested last night,” says Achilles, a rising street artist working in and around the Metaxourgio neighbourhood. “It’s OK, though, because most of the time they don’t bother to prosecute us – the police have enough to deal with.” The city is awash with colour; in some areas walls, doorways and window frames have so many layers of graffiti it’s impossible to tell the original style of the building.
Artists like Achilles can make a living from painting their murals over unsightly tags and swear words, paid for by the home or shop’s owners. Once he spray-painted an abandoned shop front in broad daylight for a film. “Everyone assumed I had permission because who else would be so stupid?” he says.
Is anywhere in the city off-limits for street artists, I wonder? “The Acropolis,” he says. “Only tourists bother to go up there.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments