War; one of smallest yet most heavily loaded words in the English speaking world. Etymology has left the English world with just three short letters to describe a world of pain, violence, destruction, alliance and vital innocent bravery. Being such a heavily loaded word further incites ideas about the complex nature of war.

Ultimately, war is an extremely multifaceted concept which must be approached from all perspectives, in order to be understood in its entirety. This is the notion embraced by the ‘Perceptions of War’ exhibition that will be held in Sydney over February and March this year. The exhibition stands as a prelude commemoration in the lead up to the 100th anniversary of the battle at Gallipoli, and aims to stimulate fresh thinking about Australia and the involvement of Australians in World War One.

A quintessential component to the exhibition is one focused on the contribution of the Greek Australian alliance to the war. The component is provided by historians Effy Alexakis and Leonard Janiszewski of Macquarie University, and is one which stands as an ode to one of the most significant moments of Greek Australian history.

The component stands not only as a reflection of the vital importance of the Greek-Australian relationship during the war, but also offers audience’s a retrospective insight into this relationship, combining historical images and text culled from major archives. It is a tribute to the importance of Greek Australians on the battlefront, but also provides audiences with a meaningful and insightful look into life back on the home front, where many Greek migrants encountered destruction in the face of pro-German sympathies. Fundamentally, the component shows audiences that hardships were felt on both fronts.
According to Alexakis and Janiszewski, on the battle front 60 Greek Australian men served with the Australian military during World War One; 16 were killed in action, 18 were gassed or wounded, and 12 served at Gallipoli.

On the home front, destruction was also in force. Approximately nine major cities and towns were disrupted with violent rioting and civil unrest, including five major riots against Greeks and numerous minor skirmishes. Rioting against Greeks occurred around the country from July 1915 through to December 1916 and included the damaging, destruction and looting of Greek shops.

‘Perceptions of War’ is a skilful exhibition that will cast a light of commemorative remembrance for those who suffered in the face of war on all fronts. Using a lens of remembrance will incite a powerful, physical and emotional response to the complexities of the war and for Greek Australians, an informative insight into the complexities surrounding race, culture and national identity both at war and at home in Australia during the First World War.

The exhibition will take place from February 9 to March 18, with the formal launch occurring on February 11 by Professor Dame Marie Bashir, former governor of New South Wales.

It will run from Monday to Friday over these weeks, from 10.00 am-5.00 pm at the Macquarie University Art Gallery, The Chancellery, Building E11A.