The opening of the Antipodean Palette exhibition at Steps Gallery in Carlton on Saturday 14 June marked a profound and moving celebration of Greek diasporic identity through visual art.
A large and diverse audience gathered to witness the unveiling of this year’s collection, which brings together artists of Greek heritage who explore themes of culture, memory, and migration with remarkable sensitivity and vision.
Curated to reflect the evolving experience of the Greek diaspora in Australia, the exhibition draws upon Greece’s vast historical and cultural inheritance, refracted through the lens of personal journeys, family histories, and the lived realities of the Antipodes.
From the outset, visitors were struck by the interplay between traditional Hellenic motifs and contemporary artistic techniques, which together produce a dynamic conversation between past and present.
The afternoon commenced with a warm welcome by MC Vasilia Hatzieleftheriou, Committee member of the Greek-Australian Cultural League (GACL), who guided the proceedings with clarity and poise. Opening addresses were delivered by Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, who spoke eloquently about the enduring relevance of cultural expression within migrant communities, and Cathy Alexopoulos, President of the GACL, who highlighted the League’s long-standing commitment to fostering Hellenic arts in Australia.
This year’s exhibition features works by Bill Potiris, Carol Fraser, Cathy Litinakis, Chris Saltos, Harry Fatouros, Kalliroe, Katerina Konstantinidou, Kerrie Theodorikakos, Leah Modouris, Marie Petridis, Olga Antoniadis, Paraskevi Dentsa, Rita Macarounas, Rosemary Lugg, Sophie Xeros Constantinidis, Victoria Floratos, and Yitonia – Dean and Peter Kotsianis.
Each artist brings a distinct voice and sensibility to the exhibition, yet all are united by a shared concern with themes of heritage, belonging, and transformation. From mythological allusions to village memories and contemporary Australian urban scenes, the works on display are rich in personal symbolism and emotional resonance. The fusion of traditional aesthetics with modern idioms results in a compelling exploration of dual identity—where memory merges with longing, and individual narratives speak to broader collective experiences of migration and cultural continuity.
The speeches throughout the evening underscored the vital role of diasporic art in negotiating identity and bearing witness to the evolving expression of Hellenism in Australia. A number of artists also shared brief reflections during the event, drawing attention to the deep personal connections underpinning their creative practice and emphasising the importance of art as a form of storytelling, resistance, and cultural survival.
Importantly, Antipodean Palette is not merely a celebration of Greek cultural heritage, but an invitation to consider the ways in which identity is constantly redefined by displacement, adaptation, and the creative act itself. The exhibition positions the artist as both custodian and innovator, drawing from ancestral memory while forging new cultural meanings within a contemporary Australian context.
The gallery was animated by a spirit of connection and conversation. Visitors engaged thoughtfully with the works, often lingering before pieces that prompted recognition, introspection, or dialogue. The cross-generational appeal of the exhibition was striking, with both older and younger members of the Greek-Australian community finding within it a mirror of their own experiences and aspirations.
The Antipodean Palette exhibition will run until Saturday 22 June 2025, and will conclude with a poetry afternoon at 2pm. This closing event will feature Melbourne-based poets presenting original works in both Greek and English, offering a lyrical and resonant complement to the visual narratives explored throughout the exhibition.
Ultimately, the opening of Antipodean Palette stands as a testament to the richness, resilience, and evolving vitality of Greek diasporic creativity in Australia. Through the unique and diverse visions of its artists, it honours a heritage that is both ancient and alive, and affirms the power of art to illuminate, connect, and endure across oceans and generations.
