By “gazing” at the city where he grew up and gave him his first stimuli, Kazantzakis, through the mural, himself becomes a unique sight for locals and visitors
A huge mural depicting the great Greek thinker who connected, loved and never stopped thinking about the city that gave birth to him is now located in one of the most central parts of Heraklion.
The figure of Nikos Kazantzakis was created on one of the sides of a central hotel, which is a “breath” away from Eleftheria Square, by the artist Alexandros Raptakis, as part of the “Street Art” festival, where every year, among other things, murals are decorated various parts of the city, both in the center and in the periphery.
By “gazing” at the city where he grew up and gave him his first stimuli, Nikos Kazantzakis, through the mural painting, himself becomes a unique sight for locals and visitors.
“We chose the entrance point of the old city, the Great Castle, as he said, from the eastern side. We wanted this iconic form to welcome the visitor. After all, it is opposite the most important Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which receives many visitors every day,” the Deputy Mayor of Culture of the Municipality of Heraklion Aristea Pleuris told APE-MPE, and pointed out that Heraklion has the great fortune of being the birthplace of Nikos Kazantzakis, who even praised it and described it many times in his works.
“The mural of the great thinker and writer at a central point, symbolizes the important history of the city in letters and arts. History that we must respect, honor and remind the younger generation,” she emphasized.
The mural initiative in the center of Heraklion was also a beautiful surprise for the guests of the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis, who came to Heraklion from all continents for the World Anniversary Meeting August 3-5, 2023.
“When they saw the beautifully crafted graffiti with the most characteristic photograph of our great writer, the moment was unique. We were particularly moved by the admiration of the three students (Belgium and Greece) whose works were awarded in the international student competition and the awards were presented at an event in the same hotel. A big thumbs up to the artist, to the hotel that accepted the illustration and to the Municipality of Heraklion” said the president of the Greece Branch of the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis Katerina Zografistou, who added that
“It’s really moving to see groups of people standing under the mural talking. Kazantzakis is known all over the world and we are sure that he not only makes an excellent impression, but also gives rise to reflections and discussions,” added Mrs. Pleuris.
Source: Skai
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