The Foundation for Hellenic Studies launched the By George! exhibition was held to commemorate the 71st Anniversary of ‘Ohi Day’ and Hellenism in Australia.

The opening of the exhibition, which was held in Adelaide last Thursday, 28 October, was attended by the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas, former SA Treasurer and Labor MP, Tom Koutsantonis, Mayor of the City of West Torrens, Michael Coxon, Councillor and Chair of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC), Adriana Christopoulos, as well as prominent members of South Australia’s community.

Helen Kari with the winning entry.

Consul General of Greece, George Psiahas and the Chair of the Foundation for Hellenic Studies, Greg Crafter AO, spoke about the importance of multiculturalism in Australia and the significant contribution art continues to make in the course of history.

“We, in this country celebrate multiculturalism. We want the language and the culture to be entrenched and to be loved and lived by families. This makes our country stronger, more cohesive and it makes us appreciate other cultures. And if we can appreciate other cultures, we can stop fighting each other. More love, less wars, more understanding and a better world,” Mr Crafter said.

READ MORE: Australia’s Labor Party acknowledges “Ohi” Day and the long friendship between Australia and Greece forged during WWII

Tom Koutsantonis MP John Kari and judge Niki Sperou.

At the opening of the By George! Exhibition the Foundation for Hellenic Studies announced the prize-winners, from a pool of over 50 submissions received from as far as Greece, Brazil, South Africa and around Australia.

The winning entries were judged by a panel of industry experts comprised by Jason Karas, Diana Jaquillard, Fotis Kapetopoulos, Niki Sperou and Connie Augoustinos.

Taking first place in the inaugural By George! Biennial International Art Prize with the theme “Independence. What is it good for?” was “Wonnarua” (2020), a video diptych by conceptual artist and cinematographer Ryan Andrew Lee from Northern Rivers, NSW.

Second Prize was awarded to artist NOT, from Sydney, who used recycled television screen and lead crystal glass to create “Syntagma Square” (2021), a sculpture that represents

Desma Kastanos in front of her painting “My Constantinople”.

the “freedom fist” of the choreographed march of the Hellenic Presidential Guard. Third Prize was awarded to local artist Helen Kari whose print on giclee entitled “Greek National Day” (2021), was inspired by postcards sent home from soldiers fighting in the War of Independence.

READ MORE: Darwin Mayor condemns Greek community for heckling at Ohi Day celebration

Linda Ciampa and Soula Dagas

The exhibition can be viewed every Friday evening between 6:00pm and 8:00pm throughout November, at the popup Gallery 108 in the new Kyren Group development at 108 Wakefield Street Adelaide, and online at https://bit.ly/3DHRsoC.

A Democratic (People’s) Choice Award will also be awarded at the Foundation’s next public event on 21 November and the public is encouraged to vote by visiting the gallery on Wakefield Street or online prior to 14 November 2021. The winner will receive $2,000.

Sonali Patel, Niki Sperou and Theadora Karidis.

Proceeds from art sales are going to the artists and the Foundation, which is a not-for-profit entity that promotes Hellenic culture, language, and experiences.

Photo: KPN Photography