A monumental mural depicting legendary opera diva Maria Callas on Aristomenous Street in Kalamata has been awarded Best of November Winner by the international platform Street Art Cities, marking the first time a Greek artwork has received the distinction.
Created by visual artist Kleomenis Kostopoulos (Kle), the large-scale mural spans the façade of a multi-storey building in the city centre, transforming the urban landscape into a cultural landmark.
Rendered with detailed craftsmanship and chromatic harmony, the portrait presents Callas, whose father hailed from the region, in a way that appears to engage directly with the city and its people.
The figure of Callas is surrounded by branches, fruits and birds, symbolising the vitality of Messinia, continuity, renewal, and the deep bond between people and their land.
Kostopoulos, artistic director of ArtWalk and founder of Art in Progress, has long advocated for public art as a means of shaping cultural identity and dialogue in urban spaces.
Alongside its recent accolade, the mural has also been selected to compete in January at the Best of 2025 Awards, further cementing its international recognition.
Informally titled “Kalamata,” the work now stands as a new landmark for the city and a point of reference for contemporary Greek street art.
Source: Tovima.
