Hey there, Hivers!
If you know me or if you have seen my blog on Steemit in the past you probably know my passion and interest in urban art in all of its forms and mostly in graffiti art.
I love wandering the streets - not only in the city where I live but also whenever I travel. When I walk around and soak up the city vibe I inevitably come to a point where I discover some hidden gems. They can be extraordinary display windows, old buildings, or graffiti paintings.
I have decided to start a series dedicated to all the urban treasures I have seen. You can expect photos from all of the places I have visited and a huge collection from my home country - Bulgaria.
So, welcome to the first edition of the series “Random Street Art”.
Sofia, Bulgaria
This is in Bulgarian for all of you who do not know this beautiful language and it’s written “Art center”. It looks like it’s been uninhabited for a long time - at least 10 years
There isn’t much skill level in this particular one but I do love the contrast between the fact that this used to be an art center for the youth and how it’s been abandoned and taken over by nature.
The thought that this was once a place full of life, creativity, and young artists and how the government allowed it to just fall apart is sad and discouraging. The truth is that my country doesn’t care much about art and culture and even in the current situation, there isn’t much help and support for all the artists out there. But that’s a different topic - a long and sad one which I will probably cover in the near future.
Sofia, Bulgaria
The next one is part of the so-called interior (in this case may be exterior is more suitable) of a Beach Bar in the city - sponsored by an alcohol brand of course. It’s not that bad there in the summer although I would prefer to feel the sand and to be able to see the sea instead of pretending I am there while actually dying out of the heat stuck between all the cement buildings.
But it’s cool that business owners start to appreciate the professionalism and creativity of urban artists and start using their services more often.
Bov, Bulgaria
Bov, Bulgaria
Bov is a tiny village in western Bulgaria and it’s famous with its beautiful nature surrounding it. Some legends say that the name comes from a French chevalier, a participant in Crusades.
Both photos are from my first ever visit of the village which was possible thanks to @rorxco. Those are children’s graffiti paintings, part of a project organized by the municipality. I was touched because “The Little Prince” is my favorite ever book - even now when I am 27 years old.
But leaving everything on the side, I would definitely recommend this place. If you ever happen to come to Bulgaria, you should visit Bov and you will be mind-blasted by the tremendous beauty nature has to offer there.
Sofia, Bulgaria
This one is from one of our evening/night walks that we do with Roro. There is something quite charming in the city lights and I do believe that seeing the city during the evening can give another POV of it.
Sofia, Bulgaria
This tiny sculpture is embedded right into the building. I have tried really hard to find if the TRK graffiti crew are the creators but my search was unsuccessful. I believe that this might be a part of a bigger project so I would be grateful if someone can give me more information or you have seen similar miniatures.
One More Bar, Sofia, Bulgaria
I took a photo of this one because it’s quite cool how they tried to combine the painting with the lamp. It’s part of the interior of a bar called One More Bar in Sofia and they are famous for their out-of-the-box approach - crazy paintings, interesting cocktails, friendly vibe & cozy atmosphere. Be sure to check their Facebook for more photos.
Probably most of you know or have heard of “Rick & Morty”. For me, it’s a relatively new discovery, thanks to my boyfriend. I have to say that I do like it a lot but I have my way of “consuming” it. I rather binge-watch 5 episodes instead of watching one per day for 5 days.
Sofia, Bulgaria
The next and last one is a cartoon-themed again - maybe this loud about the fact that in some aspect I will remain childish. Who knows :D
“Adventure time” is a cartoon that I have never watched - I mean I have checked a couple of episodes but that’s all.
The reason I was impressed is that this is a school building which makes the painting way cooler. It’s rare here in Bulgaria to see that someone was open-minded enough to allow ⅓ of the school to be painted and this is what makes it so amazing for me.
I think that children’s creativity should be boosted in many different ways and parents play a huge part in that. I don’t know, probably I am going to be one of those parents who calls the teacher that their child is a bit sick & would later go out to play with the kiddos.
Well, that is all from the first edition of my “Random Street Art” series and I do hope that if you came all the here you are deadly bored!
Stay tuned for more hidden urban treasures!
Be healthy, keep your eyes wide open, and don’t forget to look around the next time you are walking down the same street! Maybe you will discover something that was there for a long time but you weren’t ready to see it!
Truly yours,
Kate