Greek God of the Sea by Jimmy Economou © Jack Keenan

Where’s the Beach by Panos Fiorentinos © Jack Keenan

Greektown Chicago is well-known for delicious fish, but a different form is drawing rave reviews. Presented by Greektown Chicago, Fanciful Fish is an outdoor art exhibit on the streets of Greektown sponsored by Greektown SSA #16.

Twenty-one fabulously colorful fish sculptures celebrate all things Greek including history, mythology and culture. The fish showcase the imagination of Chicago-area artists and Greek school teachers and students while providing fun additions to the West Loop landscape.

Eve Moran, Greektown SSA Commissioner and art committee chair told me, “Our Fanciful Fish public art exhibit features the works of 21 innovative artists. Many fish models are situated near restaurants and cafés. So taking a walk through Chicago’s Greektown is a perfect way to feed the body and delight the soul.”

Prometheus by Vasiliki Valkanas 

Prometheus by Vasiliki Valkanas 

I had the pleasure of getting insight from Vasiliki Valkanas, one of the artists. Chicago-based graphic designer and artist Valkanas commented on her process, “When I started, I sat down with pen and paper and really reflected on the form and symbolism of a fish — as you can see from the range of pieces, there are so many ways to go about it. There was something really striking about the silhouette of the fish, and it made me think of the artwork on early Greek pottery. With that, I knew I wanted to use an inspiration from early Greece and mythology. As for picking which story to tell, I often like to play with opposites in my work, and loved the idea of playing with flight/barrier and fire when working on a fish form.” As for seeing her fish among the others in Greektown, Valkanas said, “I am so honored to be a part of this project! I’ve participated for the last few years of this, and every time I am so excited to walk down Halsted Street and see all the impressively creative ideas each artist and school has come up with. Seeing how the Greek culture inspires each piece in a unique way is amazing!”

Greeks have a long and close relationship with fish. Historically, with Greeks living close to the sea, fish was an essential source of food for centuries. It remains a popular menu item at Greek restaurants, like those in Chicago’s Greektown.

In previous years, Chicago street art sculptures included cows, globes, pianos and other objects beautifying the landscape. While I loved those exhibits, Fanciful Fish has one big advantage. All 21 fish are within a several-block stretch in the heart of Greektown. I was able to see every fish while walking, something I could never do with the other art installations.

Fishy Faces’ Recovery by Kathleen King © Jack Keenan

Athena and Triton by James Mesple © Jack Keenan

The recent snow accumulation buried the bases of some of the fish, but local Greeks told me they see the positive in that. The colorful fish emerging from the frozen snow represent life and happiness returning.

When the snow melts in the warmer weather, I will have to revisit the fish. In addition to seeing their full beauty in sunshine, I’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful fish meal at one of the fine Greek restaurants.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Aquatic Decoherence by Terry Poulos

ΑΓΑΠΗ (Love) by Kiki Whitehead

Fish Is Delish by Alexandra Bakopoulos

A Cat’s Dinner by Chris Hale and Tessa Hale