Life / Arts

‘1821 Greek Art Exhibition’ at Sydney Town Hall brings rare artefacts to Australia for the first time

Acclaimed sculptor Nikos Floros’ ‘Heroes Made of Metal’ explore the history of warfare through the ages alongside precious artifacts from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Alexandrian-Hellenistic period

From the exhibition at Sydney Town Hall. Photo: Christina Despoteris

18 March 2022 1:20pm

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Non-profit organisation St. Basil’s NSW/ACT in cooperation with the Greek War Museum has brought a rare collection of Greek artefacts to Australia for the first time as part of the celebrations of 200 years from the Greek War of Independence. It is also the first time these exhibits have left Greece.

The collection, hosted by the Sydney Town Hall is titled ‘1821 Greek Art Exhibition’ and showcases several centrepieces from the Greek War Museum alongside artwork and costumes created by internationally acclaimed sculptor Nikos Floros, inspired by the Greek Revolution.

Nikos Floros’ ‘Heroes Made of Metal’ explore the history of warfare through the ages alongside artifacts from different eras including the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Alexandrian-Hellenistic period.

The costumes were created with mosaics that meticulously transform “humble” materials into rustling satin fabrics, shimmering with brilliant diamond-cut tiles. When designing the traditional costumes, Floros’ creative process involved historical research and an in-depth study of memories, requiring, as he explains, “time to listen to the character and feelings of these heroes and capture them in my works”.

The centerpieces from the museum are weapons from the wars in which Greece participated as well as artifacts from other civilizations, such as ancient China and ancient Japan.

Members of St. Basil’s Homes NSW/ACT visit the exhibition. Photo: Facebook

Members of St. Basil’s Homes NSW/ACT visit the exhibition. Photo: Facebook

“The Greek Art Exhibition of 1821 is an event of national and cultural significance. St. Basil’s couldn’t be prouder to host such an event, especially as this is the very first time these exhibits will come to Australia,” the St. Basil’s NSW/ACT team stated.

“It is moving that this is the first time that rare and authentic exhibits from the Athens War Museum have traveled outside of Greece and that Australia is the first other country that will host these items even for a short time.”

“We believe this exhibition is very important to all Greek Australians and the wider community,” says St. Basil’s NSW/ACT.

“Everyone will have the opportunity to visit and admire these rare exhibits up close which represent a vital part of Greek history and highlight the key events leading up to the Greek Revolution, the Greek Struggle of 1821 and the evolution of the newly created modern Greek state.”