Check out this land art installation by visual artist The Krank that seamlessly integrates the natural environment into a striking visual statement on Avlaki Beach in Paxos, Greece. As part of the 3rd Paxos Biennale, the artwork features the word “SOLD” meticulously crafted from dark-colored stones scattered around the area. Located adjacent to a large construction site for a luxury villa, this piece evokes the real estate stamp used to mark property sales, serving as a poignant artistic protest. SOLD transforms the beach’s degraded natural landscape into a powerful commentary on the consequences of over-exploitation and rampant development. The juxtaposition of the word against the construction backdrop underscores the artist’s message about the encroachment of development on natural spaces.
The use of natural materials and the surrounding space is a key element of land art, and in the case of “SOLD”, The Krank succeeds in integrating his art inextricably with its environment. The placement of the word on the ground, reminiscent of the advertising banners used in real estate sales, serves as a form of protest against the commodification of natural resources. The work invites the viewer to consider the environmental and social consequences of selling and exploiting land. Through a simple yet powerful visual statement, The Krank raises questions about the value of nature and the need to protect it from over-exploitation and building development. SOLD is therefore not only an artistic creation, but also a political statement. In this way, The Krank adds its voice to a broader dialogue on environmental justice and sustainability.
The Krank (b. 1988 Greece) is a visual artist & curator living and working between Athens & Berlin. He studied Fine and Applied Arts in Athens (2009), focusing on paintings & art installations.
His work has been widely presented across Europe. Notable shows, installations & scenographies were in TYPO Berlin in Haus der Kulturen der Welt – Berlin 2016, Documenta Halle – Kassel 2017, KKL (Culture and Congress Center) – Luzern 2018, RÄUME 2 – Berlin Art Week 2018, World Conference Center – Bohn 2019, Museum of Now – Berlin 2020 & 2021, Michael Cacoyannis Foundation – Athens 2022, TedX aueb Athens Conservatoire – Athens 2023, Stegi Onassis – Athens 2023, SFVV Deutsche Historisches Museum – Berlin 2023, Eleusis European Capital of Culture – Eleusina 2023, Transmediale – Berlin 2024, Piraeus Municipal Art Gallery – Piraeus 2024.
His artworks belong to private collections in Europe, Asia, America & Australia, to The Solar Panel Art Series of Olafur Eliasson, to MON Collection of Contemporary Art & to SFVV Deutsche Historisches Museum in Germany. Mentions and interviews for his work can be found in greek and international press.
