One of the finest art galleries featuring Greek contemporary art on the island of Santorini
The welcome vision to Tzamia-Krystalla Art Gallery.
Fine art is of no shortage on the islands of Greece. Not only does artistry seemingly cultivate through the veins of over half its inhabitants, but Santorini itself is like a painting of its own every time you open your eyes around a new corner. Greek for “Glasses and Crystals,” the gallery has only been around a mere 14 years, which is relatively young compared to the vast history of Santorini.
A minimalistic entrance point marks the start of the beauty to come in the Art Gallery.
Tzamia-Krytalla Art Gallery is a bit tricky to stumble upon, but well worth the venture. The gallery is located in Santorini’s capital city of Fira, a beautiful, mountainous town straight off of a postcard. With the Aegean Sea on its opposing side, steps from the old port lead straight to the front door – step number 570, to be exact. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but if you turn the corner past the sign that simply reads “Art Gallery,” it’s as if you’ve suddenly entered the gates of gallery heaven.
With an outside just as beautiful as the in, an array of artwork is featured outside the gallery.
The Art Gallery came together through the love of Greek contemporary art of Nikos Grafas and leading ceramic craftsman, Manousos Chalkiadakis. The name, translating to “Glasses and Crystals,” was born from the history of the handcraft industry that initially occupied Tzamia-Krystalla solely. The move to Santorini was only recent, as in 2008 they moved to the island from Chania in Crete, the gallery’s birth location. The idea essentially encompasses cutting and processing glass and crystals, which the pair has been doing in Chania since 1948.
Upon your first arrival to the gallery, visitors are greeted by an outside precursor to the heart of the gallery. A gazebo-like awning and the surrounding trees block the artwork outside from any real sun damage, providing both a warm welcome to guests and a cool place to get a break from the strength of the Greek sun. Visitors can find mostly pottery and sculptures in the front, rightfully so, as the wonders of Santorini sit beautifully inside.
A collection of hand-painted bird houses made of clay pottery by one of the gallery's established artists.
The gallery features a select few of exclusive creative artists who’ve been collaborating with Tzamia-Krystalla for years. The art is really up for interpretation of the eye of the viewer, but Greek contemporary art features a common trend of abstract expressionism and kinetic art produced after World War II. Even if works of paintings and pottery aren’t particularly your thing, the Art Gallery also features music nights and theater and dance performances. You can contact Nikos Grafas at Tzamia-Krystalla Art Gallery by email at info@tzamia-krystallagallery.gr.
Greek contemporary art lines every wall and hallway of Tzamia-Krystalla Art Gallery.
