Effy Alexakis’ photographs displayed at Australian Embassy in Athens

·

Written by Nick Siriodis.

The Greek Australian from Sydney, Effy Alexakis, is a talented photographer and her work speaks for itself.

After creating countless pieces, and leaving an unforgettable mark, she continues to create to this day together with her partner, historian Leonard Janiszewski, who also works alongside her.

Ms Alexakis and Mr Janiszewski have been documenting aspects of the everyday life of Greeks in Australia for decades. This has led to the pair arriving in Athens, Greece, last month to present Ms Alexakis’ latest book Effy Alexakis: Forty Photographs – A Year at a Time at the Australian Embassy.

The Greek Herald attended the event and closely followed the very interesting discussion. Ms Alexakis, Mr Janiszewski and Dr Lita Georgopoulou-Gregory from the Australian Archaeological Institute in Athens spoke. The new Ambassador of Australia in Greece, Alison Duncan, also participated, where she spoke very warmly about Mrs Alexakis and the Greek community in Australia.

During the discussion, various aspects of the pair’s research was covered, including why they started and continued this photographic project, their methods and how they learned to adapt to new technologies. They shared the highs and lows of their journey to piece together the book, as well as the personal impact their work had on their lives and how the Greek Australian experience has shaped itself over the years.

At the end of the discussion, in which many Greek Australians of all ages attended, questions were asked and answered. Afterwards, the attendees enjoyed drinks and some tasty refreshments.

‘I spent forty years creating the book’:

At the end of the discussion, Ms Alexakis spoke with The Greek Herald about her book and more. First, we asked her for her feelings about the event.

“We feel very happy because we have a great connection and bond with Greece. Since the first years of my photography, it is always in my heart. I feel that when the Australian embassy shows this interest in what I do, it means a lot to me and to the work I do with Leonard in Australia. It gives importance and shows respect to our work,” Ms Alexakis said.

As for whether she regretted some photos and stories she didn’t include in her book, she was honest.

effy alexakis
Ms Alexakis and Mr Janiszewski both spoke at the event.

“Yes, that’s why I say that if I did the book now, the photos would be very different. I chose more emotional ones, because we went through COVID-19, we had a lockdown for a long time. Maybe it would have been a different book, a happier one. But in the end I chose human stories with strong emotion,” she said.

Regarding her future plans and what else she has in mind, she said: “I am now 66 years old. I don’t have to work now. Of course I do work, but now I have the opportunity to do what I want.”

“That’s why with my next costume project, it’s something I want to do,” she added.

“That’s why when I come back to Sydney, I have another exhibition together with two photographer friends and the theme is death. It is something that intrigues me as a photographer and in this book I have also chosen a photo of the man in the coffin. It’s part of life. In Australia we hide it, we don’t talk about it, that’s why I find it very interesting.”

Finally, we asked her why anyone should rush to buy her book. She answered: “It’s a low-cost book and I spent 40 years creating it. The photos are in black and white and the image quality is very high. It is an art book that makes me very proud.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Mark Coure MP extends Oxi Day message to Greek and Cypriot communities

NSW Shadow Minister Mark Coure MP honours Oxi Day, praising the Greek and Cypriot communities for their courage and contribution to NSW.

Oakleigh Grammar farewells the Class of 2025 with Graduation Dinner

Oakleigh Grammar’s Class of 2025 gathered for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition at their Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

Saint Dimitrios Parish in Moonee Ponds marks 50 years with joyful festival

The annual Saint Demetrios Parish Festival in Moonee Ponds brought together parishioners, dignitaries, and performers on Sunday, October 26.

Burwood RSL donates $14,000 to support St Nectarios’ Cottage Kitchen

St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood has received a $14,000 ClubGrant from Burwood RSL to continue vital community work.

Greek Australian nurse Helen Zahos recognised for 25 years of humanitarian work

The NT’s Greek community is celebrating humanitarian nurse and paramedic Helen Zahos, recognised for her service to global health.

You May Also Like

Australia Day through the eyes of a Greek Australian

Greek Australian Yianni Poupouzas from Nikos' Cakes shop shares what Australia Day means to him on the day.

New DNA study shows today’s Greeks are similar to those of 2,000 BC

Present-day Greeks are genetically similar to 2,000 BCE Aegeans from Northern Greece, an anthropological DNA research project published in the scientific journal, Cell, has...

OXI Day celebration held at Brisbane’s City Hall

On Monday, the Greek community and friends of Greece came together at Brisbane City Hall for a memorable evening to commemorate OXI Day.Â