If I could use only one word to describe my first impression of the island of Mykonos, it would be touristy. Waiters standing at the front of the restaurants around the sea, trying to flood their restaurants with customers; large groups of people talking in different languages crowded the narrow streets. But my impression was changed after I traveled deeper toward the inland of the island. There are stores in which you can find some interesting things and many galleries with high quality around the area called Goumenio Square.
Decoration on the wall of the shop by the wind mills
The Minima Gallery is at Goumenio Square, Mykonos. The owner of the gallery is always sitting at the front of the gallery reading under the sun or talking to random people. And he will be really willing to show you around the gallery and talk about the artworks with you. Artworks in this gallery is also in the realm of contemporary art, mostly paintings, photography and installations from artist all over the world. Although there are no signs about the artworks and artists next to each work, you can always ask the owner of the gallery about the information. The structure of the gallery is very interesting and special. There are two floors while you will need to make some turns and walk some stairs on the second floor where the most exhibits are at. No tickets are needed for the gallery and ask for permission to take photos.
the Minima Gallery
Doorknob of the gallery
A charcoal painting which looks just like photography
Details of the painting
Sculpture at the attic of the gallery
This Spyral Art Gallery is right across the narrow street from the Minima Gallery. After you enter the front door you will find yourself at a small front yard full of artworks. The main exhibition is in the two storey building in the yard. The owner of the gallery would love to give you a quick trip around the gallery and have some chat with you both about the works and about himself. Most of the works in the gallery are from his friends while he himself stopped painting since a long while ago because of many complicated reasons. He would also talked about his own preference of the art works in the gallery and why he prefer a specific painting to other ones. It’s also interesting that he can speak the phrase “very good” in Chinese and Spanish, you can go and find out what other things he is capable of. There are no tickets needed for the gallery but you can’t take pictures inside the building while you can only take one picture at the front yard. Always ask before you take pictures of the artworks!
At the front door of the Spyral Art Gallery
The owner of the gallery only allowed me to take one photo of the front yard
