More than 50 dignitaries attended the opening night of Nick Bourdaniots’ ‘The Evzones Collection’ in Melbourne on Friday, following the exhibition’s national launch in Canberra.
Among them were Consul General of Greece, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis from Melbourne District, Father George Adamakis and Chairman of the 2021 Victorian Committee Tony Tsourdalakis.
The Melbourne launch was hosted by Oakleigh Grammar in conjunction with the 2021 Victorian Bicentenary Committee and the Organisational Council for the Greek National Day.
Stills from the opening evening
Oakleigh Grammar’s Principal Mark Robertson and President of the Board, Chris Damatopoulos, were also in attendance, as well as senior college students greeting guests on arrival.
Two Year 7 students sang the National Anthems bringing tears to attendees. Dimitra Ballis, a third generation Greek Australian student sang the Greek National Anthem in her traditional costume, while Elena Logan, a Philhellene student of Romanian background sang the Australian National Anthem.
Over 28 curated photos capturing the Evzones form part of the exhibition which creator Nick Bourdaniotis hopes they expose “their strength, integrity, patriotism and philotimo.”
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“The Presidential Guard are at the pinnacle of Greece’s elite force and Hellenic Pride. To showcase this is an honour and an important reminder to the people of the history of Greece and the Evzones and all that they stand for,” Mr Bourdaniotis said.
Eirini Alliyannis is the curator of the exhibition for Australia and George Karantonis is the exhibition director and Oakleigh exhibition director compere.
Mr Bourdaniotis thanked all those who made the exhibition at Oakleigh Grammar possible, including the school’s administration, Mr Tsourdalakis and Oakleigh Grammar’s Hellenic Culture coordinator Natasha Spanos.
Agapi Care is the charity chosen for money raised through the exhibition’s silent auction to be donated to. Mr Bourdaniotis donated one of his exhibition prints for this purpose.
The exhibition will run until Sunday, 4 April before moving on to other metropolitan cities.
What to expect?
“A holistic sensory activation for all, not just for Greeks or Australians of Greek descent, but for people of all walks of life,” Mr Bourdaniotis says.
“I want the Greek DNA showcased in this exhibition to trigger pride, acknowledgement and a respect for the modern world’s roots. And ultimately walk away a real sense of satisfaction and appreciation of my photographs.”
Entry is free to the public, with no booking required.
Melbourne: Saturday March 27 – Sunday April 04 at Oakleigh Grammar Conference Center. Address: 77/81 Willesden Rd, Oakleigh, Victoria, 3166.
Saturday 27 March, Sunday 28 March: 2:00pm – 6:30pm, Monday 29 March to Thursday 01 April: 3:00pm – 7:30pm, Friday 02 April to Sunday 04 April: 2:00pm – 6:30pm
Next stops
Adelaide:
April 22rd – April 25th The Holy Monastery of St Nectarios
Sydney: TBA
June Hellenic Club Sydney, Beta / The Grande Level 2
Brisbane
July 30th – August 1st The Greek Club Brisbane
Perth:
November 19th – 21st November