An image of Nikos Kazantzakis was painted on one of the sides of a central hotel in Heraklion by the artist Alexandros Raptakis as part of the "Street Art" festival, where every year, among other things, murals decorate various parts of the city, both in the centre and in the periphery.
"The mural of the great thinker and writer at a central point symbolises the city's important history in letters and arts. A history that we must respect, honour and remind the younger generation," the Deputy Mayor of Culture of the Municipality of Heraklion Aristea Plevris told AMNA.
He pointed out that Heraklion has the great fortune of being the birthplace of Nikos Kazantzakis, who he praised and described many times in his works.
"We must, therefore, highlight its form in a central part of the city. We chose the entrance point of the old city, the Great Castle, as he called it, 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 daily," Plevris continued.
Looking at the city where he grew up and gave him his first inspiration, Nikos Kazantzakis, through the mural painting, becomes a unique sight for locals and visitors.
"In a city where concrete dominates, as in all cities, the initiative of the Municipality of Heraklion to illustrate buildings with themes from the culture and history of the place is truly commendable," said the president of the Greek Branch of the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis Katerina Zografistou, who added that the mural initiative in the centre of Heraklion was 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 3 -August 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, the hotel that accepted the illustration, and the Municipality of Heraklionm," she said.
"It's moving to see groups of people standing under the mural talking. Kazantzakis is known worldwide, and we are sure that he not only makes an excellent impression but also gives rise to reflections and discussions," added Zografistou.
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