“Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing," Banksy famously proclaimed. "And even if you don't come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they're having a piss.” The world's most recognizable street artist has a point -- graffiti has a tendency to pop up in dire times. And while it may not solve the world's pressing problems, street art has a way of grabbing the public's attention.

Getty photographer Milos Bicanksi recently took notice of the rise in contemporary graffiti in one particular location -- on the streets of Athens, Greece. As the country experiences the hardships connected with economic collapse and unemployment, a generation of politically-minded artists have turned public spaces into canvas. Their murals and street artworks run the gamut from hyperrealism to abstract cartoons, poetic text to expansive geometric landscapes. Bicanski has photographed it all.

Take a look at the survey of Greek graffiti, wheat pastes and spray paint masterpieces below, provided without commentary for your viewing pleasure. Keep in mind, Athens is just one of the 21st centuries emerging street art meccas. Check out our previous coverage on global street art here.































































(All photos courtesy of Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)