Antipodean Palette 2015 officially opened its gates to welcome the public on 13 August, attracting more visitors than ever.
This year’s exhibition, the fifth of its kind, includes paintings, prints and digital art, photography, mixed media, collage, silvercraft and 3D installations.
Hosted by Connie Gregory, an invaluable member of the GACL committee, the event was attended by many enthusiasts and supporters of the visual arts as well as Ms Christina Simantiraki, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne.
Ms Simantiraki praised both the participating artists and the efforts of the Greek Australian Cultural League, whose aim is to advance and showcase the creative endeavours of Greek Australians.
She said she hopes that the GACL will continue to support in this vein the work of the numerous artists that exist in our community, thus continuing to raise the standard of workmanship exhibited.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley inaugurated the exhibition with an inspirational speech, congatulating the GACL for its foresight to hold such events and continue a tradition that is an essential part of our community’s existence.
“This diversity in materials points to a common thread in that many of the works reflect the confluence of the different cultures,” Mr Foley said.
“It’s important that as a successful multicultural community we have opportunities to explore a range of creative and cultural expressions and to celebrate the cultures that have made Victoria what it is today … our diverse cultures are an integral part of our social and cultural fabric – and we are stronger for their contribution.”
GACLs president Cathy Alexopoulos welcomed all present and stressed that this annual group exhibition is part of the main aims of the league, with its 46-year history making it one of the oldest and most prominent cultural organisations in Australia.
The president congratulated all 15 participating artists – Angy Labiris, Agi Argyropoulos, Anne Warren, WA artist group ‘Masonik’, Christos Avramoudas, Con Emmanuelle, Effie Mandalos, Frixos Ioannides, James Raftopoulos, Jenny Dumont, Mary Raphael, Sofronis Michaelides, Soula Mantalvanos, Thalia Andrews and Tony Pierrakos, and wished them every success in their creative endeavours.
A special mention and congratulations were made to Vasy Petros, coordinator of the Antipodean Palette 2015, for her inspirational and dedicated contribution to this year’s exhibition. Cathy Alexopoulos also thanked the distinguished guests, visitors, committee members, and of course, the loyal supporters of the GACL – Neos Kosmos, Ta Nea, 3XY, SBS Radio, ERT, 3ZZZ, Omiros College, Kalimera Kids and Touchdown Tours.