An intimate and powerful exhibition by renowned photographer Effy Alexakis will be on display at the upcoming International Women’s Day ‘Hellenic Horizons’ event, presented by the Greek Festival of Sydney supported by The Greek Herald.
Taking place at The Grand Roxy – Reef Room in Brighton-le-Sands, Sydney, on Sunday, March 16 at 3:30pm, the exhibition presents portraits of women who have inspired and made a meaningful impact in their communities.
For Alexakis, this exhibition is deeply personal, as it features women she had not previously photographed but whose stories she believes deserve recognition.
“I chose women who I have not photographed before, who I consider inspirational and who have made a difference within their community,” she explains.
Among the striking portraits is that of Matina Mottee (née Cassimaty), whose journey from a self-described “scared little Greek girl” growing up in Hobart to a passionate advocate for migrant women exemplifies the resilience and determination of the women featured. Mottee only found her voice and purpose at the age of 53, once her children had grown, and has since become widely recognised for her work in supporting migrant women.
The exhibition also includes a portrait of Chanel Contos, the fearless activist who led the ‘Teach Us Consent’ movement, shedding light on rape culture and sexual violence against young girls. In just a few years, Contos’ advocacy has gained global recognition, and she was honoured as one of BBC’s 100 Women in 2022. Alexakis managed to capture a fleeting moment with Contos in Sydney before she returned to the UK for her studies.
A particularly poignant piece in the collection is a ‘work in progress’ project inspired by Alexakis’ mother, Maria Kritikos, and the shared history of a single wedding dress. Arriving in Australia in 1956 on the ‘bride ship’ Tasmania, Maria wore a wedding dress purchased by her brother, which was later worn by five other brides. Alexakis has embarked on a journey to track down original wedding photographs and, where possible, capture images of the women today.
“I have located five original photos. Sadly, of the six couples, only two widows and one couple are still alive,” she reflects.
This unique collection, curated by Alexakis alone, marks a significant moment in her work, celebrating the strength, struggles, and achievements of women from different generations.
As part of the Greek Festival of Sydney’s International Women’s Day event, supported by The Greek Herald, the exhibition offers an opportunity for the community to engage with these compelling stories, honouring women’s contributions to society.
The exhibition is open to all attendees of the ‘Hellenic Horizons’ IWD event. For more information or to register attendance, click here.
Event Details:
- Event: Hellenic Horizons: Greek Women Leading the Path to Progress
- Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Venue: The Grand Roxy | Reef Room (Bayside Plaza, 128 The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands NSW 2216)
- Register to attend the event here.
