Ιn 2011, the GACL committee decided to promote Greek-Australian artists through an annual art event called the ‘Antipodean Palette’.
In the past 5 years, the Antipodean Palette has grown to become a major annual art event in the Greek community, generating discussion and stimulating interest in the Visual Arts by highlighting the exceptional talent that exists in our community. This exhibition offers an excellent opportunity for artists to meet as a collective group and introduce their work to the wider public. The Antipodean Palette is also an ideal platform for new emerging artists to showcase their work for the very first time, whilst introducing them to the process of exhibiting.
A ‘Call for Entries’ in 2015 proved very successful attracting both local and interstate artists, as well as interest from overseas, including an interview by the Greek media station ERT.
In past years, we have been honoured by many noted guests such as Victoria’s former Minister for the Arts, The Hon. Heidi Victoria, Anna Pappas, President of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association, Professor Nikos Papastergiadis from the University of Melbourne School of Cultural Studies as well as local MPs and celebrities.
This year’s exhibition was launched by The Hon. Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries, and the Greek Consul General, Mrs. Christina Simantiraki who both delivered inspirational speeches, complimenting the interesting and varied works on display. The Minister also congratulated the GACL for supporting his ‘Vision for a Creative Victoria’ in continually seeking opportunities to raise the public’s interest in culture and the arts.
This year’s ten day event celebrated the works of fifteen artists and included contributions from writers and poets during a bi-lingual poetry afternoon and book launch at the gallery. Artworks included paintings in both acrylic and oil, illustrations, various mixed media, interactive 3D installations, sculptural and resin works, collage, risograph, copper-etch and inkjet prints, photography and silvercraft.
The GACL congratulates the participating artists Angy Labiris, Agi Agyropoulos, Anne Warren, Christos Avramoudas, Con Emmanuelle, Effie Mandalos, Frixos Ioannides, James Raftopoulos, Jenny Dumont, Mary Raphael, Sofronis Michaelidis, Soula Mantalvanos, Thalia Andrews, Tony Pierrakos and the WA group ‘Masonik’.
Thank you also to our distinguished guests, committee members and loyal supporters 3XY, Neos Kosmos, Anagnostis e-Magazine, Omiros College, Kalimera Kids and TouchDown Tours.
It has been a pleasure co-ordinating the Antipodean Palette 2013-2015. I have met talented artists and worked alongside passionate committee members in promoting this worthwhile event. I strongly encourage professional and emerging artists, young and old, to take part in future exhibitions and look forward to seeing the Antipodean Palette continue to grow ‘bigger and better’.
For more information about the next exhibition, please visit our website, gacl.com.au or email AntipodeanPalette@gmail.com.