For a city with such an eclectic mix of architecture, I was expecting a lot more when it came to street art. However, Skopje is disappointing in that respect. I’d imagined that the colourful revolution that has been simmering in Macedonia for the past few years might have somehow produced a creative outlet for local artists, but over the three weeks we’ve spent in the city, we came across very little.
Skopje gets mixed reviews from visitors and I can see why, but we’re in the camp that quite likes its garish Alexander the Great meets Disneyland feel. And once you wander away from the very centre of town, Skopje melts into a workaday city with a lively old town and relaxed cafe scene. But even away from the centre, the residential areas are also surprisingly devoid of street art. Perhaps the colourful revolution has had a counter-effect on street art in Macedonia and it gets cleaned off government buildings as quickly as the colourful paintball splats on …
We found these bits of street art along the side of the Faculty of Civil Engineering buildings on Boulevard Partizanski Odredi, near the centre. Notice that some of the pieces have an engineering theme…
Street art we spotted by the Vardar River…
And finally, a bit of politically charged graffiti in the park next to the Philip II National Arena:
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Seems like a colorful scene Kirsty. I like the Merkel shot especially LOL. Gotta appreciate the skills of street artists; eye-popping images too. Super post!
Ryan
Thanks Ryan. Whilst Skopje’s not quite up there as one of the best cities in Europe for street art, there’s plenty there…