To celebrate it’s 10th anniversary, the Antipodean Palette has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by asking artists to submit a work relating to the theme ‘IN ISOLATION’. After a call out to all past participants, the response was incredible.
Starting in 2010, the Antipodean Palette promotes the visual arts within the Greek community and gives artists the opportunity to show their work to a wider public. Greek-Australian Cultural League President Cathy Alexopoulos has been overwhelmed at the response of the exhibition since it’s launch 10 years ago.
“This group exhibition has become not only a focal point in the events calendar of the Greek-Australian community but also a ten day celebration of culture at its best,” Ms Alexopoulos said a few years ago, speaking about the Antipodean Palette.
Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, the Antipodean Palette 2020 was to involve the collaboration of Indigenous, Greek Australian artists and performers in a unique exhibition titled ‘CONNECTION’. As a result of the pandemic that has tragically plagued the world, Ms Alexopoulos and the event organisers decided to acknowledge the profound impact the virus has had on artists and the Arts industry.
The Antipodean Palette was re-branded into a virtual exhibition, titled ‘IN ISOLATION’, with the Cultural League asking artists to send in a piece of isolation-themed work.
As a result, 15 Greek Australian artists sent in a variety of pieces, along with a statement, proving that artistic expression and innovation can arise from any challenge. All the artists can be found below, with all works featured on Facebook, Instagram, and the GACL’s ‘Antipodes’ periodical, publications and website.
Greek-Australian Cultural League celebrates 50 years
Along with the celebration of the Antipodean Palette’s 10 year anniversary, the Greek-Australian Cultural League jointly celebrates an incredible 50 year milestone. A non-profit organisation, the League aims to advance, support and disseminate the creative endeavours of Greek-Australian writers and artists.
The League recognises all works of Greek Australians, yet particularly admire those that reflect the confluence of the Greek and Australian cultures and contribute to the enrichment of Literature, the Visual Arts and the Performing Arts.
Along with the Antipodean Palette, the Greek-Australian Cultural League frequently releases an Antipodean ‘Periodical’, as well as hosts an annual literary competition. Established in 1980, the competition covers the categories of poetry and short stories, accepting works in Greek or English as an incentive for participation by young members of the Diaspora.
