Rebetiko: A Tribute through Arts

Rebetiko – Greece’s answer to the moody Blues – has becalmed countless aching hearts and inflamed souls over the last century. It’s also inspired some of Greece’s most celebrated artists to turn to their canvases to convey this rich cultural phenomenon for themselves. 

Art works by heavy-hitters including Yannis Tsarouchis, Alekos Fasianos and Tassos (to name drop a few) are currently being displayed at three different locations in Athens. Running until early April, “Rebetiko: A Tribute Through Arts” will host pieces by the aforementioned giants, as well as contemporary artists who have also (quite literally at times) drawn inspiration from the soulful sound of rebetiko. 

Engage with more than 120 works of painting, sculpture, photography, engraving, video, sound installation and books that explore the emotions of pain, love and loss (the fuel of rebetiko) at the Athens Municipal Gallery, Olympia Municipal Music Theatre Maria Callas and Athens Municipality Arts Centre.

Doesn’t quite beat spending a night at an authentic koutouki listening to live rebetiko, but it’s up there.