The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
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July 2014 back issue
by Milos Bicanski
In the minds of most of the world, the iconic image of Greece's collapse is one of angry, masked protestors clashing
with police outside parliament. But anger is only one of the myriad of emotions Greeks are experiencing as they try to
weather this crisis. Shame, despair, grief and loss are there in equal shares too. But these are far more subtle, and
therefore more difficult for the photographer's lens to capture. They're visible in the the worried faces of bankers, the
lowered heads of people taking free food, and the faceless graffiti on shuttered stores.
Greece is a country in freefall, experiencing an unprecedented economic meltdown, as well as the disintegration of its
infrastructure, the degeneration of its political system and the unravelling of its social fabric. Industrial production and
manufacturing have collapsed while, nationwide, hundreds of small businesses are closing by the day. The labour
force is experiencing a serious brain drain as young educated professionals leave the country in search for better
opportunities abroad, further decimating the country’s social fabric and prospects of recovery. The rise of extremism
the neo-fascist party Golden Dawn is another symptom of the deterioration of social structures and illustrates the depth
of social and political unrest.
Greece today is a living laboratory for some of the key global public policy challenges of our time. Debates about the
future of the Western welfare state, the European project, and the power of international banks and financial
institutions are playing out daily on the streets of this small Balkan nation. But often, in the discussions over bond yields
and deficits, the very real human suffering behind the numbers is forgotten.
With each new rescue loan from other eurozone countries and the IMF, Greece is being forced to inflict more pain on
its citizens. Greeks have been told these sacrifices will save the country from an even worse fate. But after years of
pay cuts, tax increases and drastic cuts in services, Greeks are now losing faith in the prospect of recovery.
Police guard a bank during the massive protest march marking the general strike.
Greece has a population of 11 million. 3.4 million are classified as living in poverty. Unemployment among
young people is at 57 percent.
Greeks in front of Greek Parlament, during a rally against plans for new austerity measures.
Riot police and protestors.
Riot police and protestor.
Protest against plans for new austerity measures.
Graffiti.
Dog guarding a closed factory.
Graffiti in centre of Athens. Graffiti artists throughout Athens are expressing the effects of austerity measures that have
plagued the community. Deep crisis and recession, coupled by heavy austerity, is proving an inspiration for street
artists in the Greek capital.
It is Greece's elderly who may be suffering the most. Falling pensions, rising taxes and pressure on family support
networks are causing stress for many.
Graffiti.
Neo-fascist Golden Dawn party rally.
Illegal immigrant killed in search of a better life.
Child immigrants stand behind a fence at a detention center Greek-Turkish border.
Greek protestors.
Homeless in Athens.
Students participate in general strike.
Service before Easter - Lent.
