Since 1982, documentary photographer Effy Alexakis and her partner and historian, Leonard Janiszewski, have dedicated their research to exploring the historical and contemporary presence of Greek-Australians, both within Australia and abroad.
Their national project and archive ‘In Their Own Image: Greek Australians’ is recognised as one of the largest collections of Greek-Australian material in the country.
Effy Alexakis: Forty Photographs – A Year at a Time is a collection of images from the vast archive, with one image selected to represent each year over the past forty years to reveal the changing face of Greek Australians.
The Australian Embassy in Athens will host an ‘in conversation’ event between Ms Alexakis, Mr Janiszewski, Dr Lita Tzortzopolou-Gregory of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens and the Australian Ambassador, Alison Duncan.
The discussion will focus upon the four decades of research, exhibitions and publications undertaken by Ms Alexakis and Mr Janiszewski on the Greek-Australian historical and contemporary experience, both in Australia and internationally, and the celebratory publication of that milestone.
The event will serve as the official launch of the new book in Greece that will be available at the event together with other works by Ms Alexakis and Mr Janiszewski.
The Book: Forty Photographs
In 2022 Alexakis accessed her archive on the Greek-Australian experience and selected one contemporary image, together with its associated story, to represent each year since 1982.
Each photograph evidenced salient aspects significant to the personal journey of the photographer and her evolving understanding of her community and heritage – both within Australia and overseas – and in so doing, she provides a unique visual insight into the ongoing story of one of the most emblematic sociocultural groups within the flux and challenges of a contemporary multicultural society.
“At the start of my photographic documentary project it was important for me to capture the evolving public declarations of ‘Greekness’ within the Australian context – essentially a hybridised, communal cultural identity fusing selective aspects of British Australia with particular elements of Hellenic heritage and tradition,” Alexakis said about the process.
The exquisitely designed hardcover, limited-edition book, features Alexakis’ ongoing documentary work and personal photographic aesthetic, an introductory text by the photographer, and two engaging essays offering insights into the national significance of her visual journey – the first essay is written by Richard Neville, Mitchell Librarian, State Library of NSW, Sydney; the second by Janiszewski.
Mr Neville, said “Effy sees herself very much as a documentary photographer and, I would suggest, a social historian.”
“A hallmark of her work is her capacity to engage with her subjects – the impact of her photography is its fundamental humanity.”
Time is not suspended in Alexakis’ photos, with her “studies full of life” and “of pasts that have relevance to our contemporary moment,” Dr Piperoglou described the photography captured in the book.
“To contemplate the dynamics of migrant belonging through Alexakis’ documenting eye is to be drawn into the strangely familiar, deeply benevolent past that has significant relevance to my own sense of belonging today, and, I hope, our collective sense of belonging in the years to come,” Dr Piperoglou added.
Greek national day 1984
The photograph on March 25 1984, which is features in the book, celebrates both the Annunciation, which commemorates the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she will give birth to Christ the Saviour, and Greek National Day.
Utilising the religious significance of the day for symbolic effect, Metropolitan Germanos of Patra, Greece, proclaimed his blessing for the Greeks to enter into conflict with the Ottoman Empire, in the hope of achieving their freedom, on 25 March 1821.
The day is traditionally celebrated by Greek communities across the globe.
“There is a consistent humanity in Alexakis’ photographs, coupled to outstanding craft. Her photographs are never of the subject merely placed against an appropriate background,” photography critic Robert McFarlane described.
Alexakis was also described by actor, director and arts administrator, Lex Marinos OAM, as “a magician of moments.”
Event details:
The event be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 5 Chatzigianni Mexi Street (Level 2), Athens, at the Australian Embassy.
In Australia the book is available from: Cafe and Milk Bars
Read more: Effy Alexakis officially launches her ‘Forty Photographs: A Year at a Time’ exhibition
