Beautiful views of the houses on Mykonos
I was wondering around in town as usual this day with my friends when we gradually reach somewhere we’ve never been before. This part of the island is quiet, without all the tourists and noises. Instead of stores after stores in which sell the similar souvenirs and jewelries, we passed someone’s kitchen or study while they were reading under the lamp light. I realized this is probably the residence area for people who are living on Mykonos. Late afternoon sunshine shined on the white walls and staircases while street cats were resting at every corner. Although have no clue of where we were, I enjoyed that afternoon exploring on the island, having no idea what we would see next.
There are cats everywhere on the island, sometimes there are dogs too. They usually rest on the staircases and enjoy the sunshine. Residence of the island feed them and take care of them.
The buildings is something you will notice the first when you see the island. All the buildings, no matter what they are for-- restaurants, shops or churches, were all painted in pure white while the window sills and the doors are painted colorful. I was so amazed by this way of using the colors on their buildings throughout the whole trip. If you, like I am, like to explore the real culture on this island and is interested in the art of the buildings, I suggest you to walk deeply inland of the island through the narrow pass and look carefully around while you walk. I’m sure you will find what you are looking for.
A doorknob on a door by the road on Mykonos. Doors and windowsills are usually painted in
blue but sometimes also in colors such as red, light green and dark green.
A door by the street on Mykonos
Decoration on the wall of a bar
20-22 Kalogera Street, Rarity Gallery
I accidentally came across this art gallery while I was wondering around that day. With no expectation that there will be galleries on a island that is popular for tourism, I walked in with curiosity. This gallery is called Rarity Gallery, and the location is 20-22 Kalogera street, there are business cards for the gallery on the window sill. Artworks in the gallery are contemporary arts with all art forms ranging from painting, installations, sculptures to photography. No tickets needed. Ask the staff working at the gallery for permission to take photos.
Sculpture by the window of the gallery. There are business card of the gallery next to it.
Installation being displayed at the gallery. Signs with the information of both the artist and the
artist statement about the work is next to it.
Another installation at the gallery by the window
You can talk to the owner of the gallery if you are lucky enough to meet him in the gallery. He told me the gallery is open from April to September each year and the artworks displayed in the gallery is created by artists from all over the world. He would consider the concept of those artworks and backgrounds of the artists such as where they were graduated from when he picked the works for his gallery. Also he told me the reason why he wanted to open a gallery on Mykonos is that the tourists make the island “international”. He considered under this specific circumstances artworks in the gallery can be seen by people all over the world and it is a great opportunity to communicate and letting people to get inspired.
Artwork from artist Zhuang Hong-Yi
Introduction of the artist and his work
Details of the work
I like traveling without a clear destination. It’s more like taking an adventure not knowing what is lying ahead. At this middle of nowhere on the island, I encountered not only this awesome gallery but also a experience that only people who are willing to explore can gain. By the way, there are many interesting shops and galleries around this area that are worth going, such as the sunglassess shop across the street from the gallery.
