“The ANZAC Centenary is a historic milestone for two countries that I hold dear, Australia and New Zealand, so there is no doubt that I felt the need to commemorate in an artistic way the Greek connection to this landmark anniversary,” Eva (Eyvah) T. Dafaranos, curator of the exhibition said.
“This has the particularity that it is not an experience of combat; on the contrary it incarnates two exquisite spirits: the bravery of the allied Nurses and Doctors caring for the wounded as well as the hospitality of the inhabitants of Lemnos.”
Curating the exhibition Lemnos – the Greek dimension in the ANZAC Centenary, Eva T. Dafaranos asks to draw inspiration from the above legacy which expresses the idea that you can be equally brave in war fighting for the life of a wounded soldier by preserving life and provide care and convalescence.
“This is the spirit of the exhibition and I am so happy to acknowledge the beauty and the originality of each one’s artistic contribution,” the curator adds.
“We feel proud that this exhibition will give the opportunity to the public to discover how important the spirit of humanism prevailed in Lemnos during and after the Gallipoli Campaign.”
Ambassador Haris D. Dafaranos stated that it gives him great pleasure he had the opportunity to bring various artistic angles to the visualisation of war experience through the works of fourteen Greek Australian aspiring artists.
Even more as the subject of inspiration is Lemnos and its historic connection with the ANZAC Centenary.
“We are honoured that Lemnos, even during the difficult moment of war, kept loyally the ancient Greek tradition of hospitality, enabling the allied Nurses and Medics to perform wonders and save lives.
Lemnos was a pause of tranquility appropriate for the convalescence of the wounded soldiers. It is in this spirit of respect and commemoration that Eva and I bring to you this exhibition,” he told thanking all the participating artists for their spontaneous response to Eva’s idea.
He stressed that nations need to keep through their collective memory historic experiences, shared sacrifices and ideals.”
“This acquires major importance for the history in order to trace the ancestral footsteps of simple people who gave their life or were wounded fighting for a common cause.”
The Greek Australian artists participating are: Karen Barbouttis, Nick Bonovas, Stephen Caldis, Olga Cironis, George Comino, Alexandra Danalis, Eyvah T. D, Stella Karydiotou, Dean Manning, Peter Michalandos, Ros Psakis, George Raftopoulos, Athena Xenakis, George Zindilis.
The exhibition will be open to the public on May 2 and 3, from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Admission is free.
