The Kalos Irthate exhibition showcasing the Greek Australian migration journey successfully launched this past weekend.
On Friday, November 15, exhibition curators Christina Savopoulos, Jamie Gallos and John Tzelepis welcomed 50 people to the private launch event where they were able to first experience the innovative exhibition. With a focus on mid-twentieth century migration, Kalos Irthate pays tribute to the thousands of migrants who built Australia’s Greek community.
The rest of the weekend saw many people stop by the exhibition from all over Melbourne, each enthralled with the items on display and able to find an emotional and personal connection with the content.
Kalos Irthate is more than just an art exhibition, it’s an immersive experience. Exhibition attendees step into a migrant home and find its space reflective of the mid-twentieth century, as well as each room dedicated to an aspect of the migrant journey—there’s no detail missed. Â
From the Holden Premier in the driveway to the leaf left in front of the door, the attention to detail to recreate the Greek home so many are familiar with is evident. While the home itself is an exhibit, the original government documents telling the story of the migrant journey and the artefacts relating to employment in Melbourne and Greek weddings from the ‘50s make the experience worthwhile.
All the original artefacts in Kalos Irthate have never been seen before in one space in Melbourne’s Greek migrant community. Whether you’re familiar with Greek culture or are simply interested in learning more about the migrant journey, you’ll find yourself captivated by the artefacts on display.
Complementing the mid-twentieth century documents, clothes and items, is a documentary specifically created for Kalos Irthate. Two Greek Australian migrant couples are interviewed and share their reflections 50 years after moving to Australia. Their thoughts perfectly tie together the Greek identity shifts from the past half a decade.
Following its successful opening weekend, the Kalos Irthate team have extended its run and will be reopening the space for several weekends in December.
If you missed out on seeing this unique exhibition this past weekend, be sure to book for its following opening days. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to enter a Greek Australian migrant home and learn about the history which started Melbourne’s rich Greek community. It won’t only feel like you’re stepping into a museum, you’ll also be welcomed into a home where you can have a Greek coffee or lemon water fresh from the tree. The Kalos Irthate curators look forward to welcoming you in December to the exhibition.
Event Details
- Date: 1, 8, 14, 15, 22 December
- Time: 1pm – 5pm all days
- Price: $5
- Location: Doncaster, address to be emailed upon registration
- Register here:Â https://events.humanitix.com/kalos-irthate-migration-exhibition
Follow Kalos Irthate @kalosirthate_exhibition and @theposeidoniate on Instagram
*All photos copyright: Danial Oveisi. Follow him on Instagram at @ov3isi
