Thomas Daskalakis is a multidisciplinary artist based in Chania, Greece. Born in Heraklion in 1993, his practice is rooted in the vibrant, ever-changing landscapes of urbanism, drawing significant inspiration from the raw energy of city streets, street art, and pop culture. His work spans a range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to installation art, creating immersive pieces that engage with both the aesthetic and social dimensions of contemporary life. Daskalakis’ art is defined by its bold use of color and playfulness, yet beneath its surface lies a deeper exploration of complex themes such as consumerism, mass production, violence, and social injustice. Through his paintings and sculptures, he juxtaposes light, whimsical elements with darker, more challenging narratives, reflecting the contradictions that shape our modern world. His works invite the viewer to confront uncomfortable realities while offering moments of levity and hope. A key characteristic of Daskalakis’ practice is his use of ready-mades—everyday objects, often discarded or overlooked, that are repurposed to create new meaning. Drawing from the streets, he collects a wide range of materials, including second-hand toys, construction debris, found objects, and other remnants of urban life. These materials are then transformed through acrylic paints, spray paints, and markers, creating a visual language that speaks both to the consumer-driven culture that pervades modern society and the social and environmental crises that it engenders. In his work, Daskalakis addresses the overwhelming force of materialism and the tension between the manufactured and the authentic. His exploration of urban landscapes and their neglected, fragmented elements mirrors the alienation and disconnection that can be found in the fast-paced, often impersonal nature of city life. Yet, within this chaos, he strives to inject a sense of hope and renewal, inviting viewers to reimagine the discarded and the damaged as sites of potential transformation. In a world increasingly defined by fear, uncertainty, and environmental degradation, Daskalakis’ art challenges us to consider how we can reclaim and reshape the spaces around us, finding meaning in both the beauty and brokenness of our shared reality.

Exhibitions

2022 ‘LOCAL GOODS’ RedD Gallery, Chania, Greece

2023 ‘SUMMER GOODS’ RedD Gallery, Chania, Greece

2024 ‘A WEEK IN PARADISE’ Mare Art Gallery x RedD Gallery, Ag.Marina, Greece