Angela Kiki Konstantinopoulou’s painted portraits of the heroes of the 1821 Greek Revolution were on display at the Campbelltown Arts Centre on Saturday at the launch of her ‘Heroes of 1821’ exhibition.
During the launch, which was organised by Macarthur Greeks, Angela’s portraits of Ioannis Kapodistrias, Manto Mavrogenous and Lord Byron were able to be viewed by attendees, including Camden Council Mayor Theresa Fedeli, Wollondilly Shire Council Mayor Robert Khan and Deputy Mayor Michael Banasik, as well as Campbelltown Mayor George Brticevic.
Also in attendance was the Director of the Campbelltown Arts Center, Michael Dagostino, Communication Advisor at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Kostas Giannakodimos, and President of the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, Liana Vertzayias.
“The day had its challenges due to COVID-19 but it didn’t matter because everyone really enjoyed themselves. Most people didn’t want to leave,” Event Coordinator at Macarthur Greeks, John Tsekas, tells The Greek Herald.
A number of speeches from the Campbelltown Mayor and Mr Giannakodimos were given, followed by traditional kleftiko dances from the Hellenic Institute of Dance and Culture, and a panel discussion.
“The panel featured Eleni Elefterias as host, artist Angela and art critic, Yiannis Koutsodimas. They were discussing art and its history, as well as the importance of keeping Greek culture alive through art,” Mr Tsekas says.
The night ended with a number of young women performing the Dance of Zalongo, which took place during the Greek Revolution when the Souliotisses avoided capture by dancing and throwing themselves and their children from a cliff.
All 16 of Angela’s artworks will be shown together for the first time in Canberra on March 20-21, and then in Sydney at the AHEPA hall for ten days.
