On November 20, the team behind the proika project invites you to the launch their multimedia exhibition, melding fashion, photography and conversations.
proika (pree-kah) – or in Greek, προίκα – encompasses the physical and metaphorical heirlooms passed on from generations of Greek Australian families.
Artist Demi Kromidellis, designer Maria Koutsoukos and journalist Marianna Alepidis have joined forces to bring the vision of the proika project to life.
Hosted in the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space, the exhibition will showcase photographs taken in a selection of Greek immigrant homes, featuring clothing made from reused materials and stories exploring the history of homeowners Thomi Kalavrianos, Panagiotia Mavraganis and Christine Boursinos.
“proika is an immersive, contemporary perspective on Greek culture in Australia. This exhibition will embody a new way of viewing ethnic culture in Australia, promoting viewers to see what particular cultural elements truly bound us together as a community,” the team said.
“It invites people to imagine what our Greek heritage in Australia might look like in the future.
“After migration, there is an inevitability of native culture diluting, particularly through settling in and adapting to a new country. However, there will never cease to be conversations about Greek immigration to Australia, especially as it relates to those who made their voyages in the mid 20th Century.”
Produced by bespoke network Yitonia, proika asks what early Greek Australians perceive of newer generations’ current performances of heritage and where they think their treasure trove of items will go after they move on.
“Over decades they have collected their own rich stories, doilies, experiences and knick-knacks. Unfortunately, as they start to close in on their circle of life, we want to ensure that we have conversations with them that understand their perspective, and while we might not take on all the furniture, or crystal ware, or intricate cross-stitching creations, we can find ways to reinterpret them in our own way,” the team said.
After the launch event, the exhibition will be on reduced display for the following four weekends until Sunday, December 15.
The proika project is supported by sponsors Pitliangas Food Group. The community can also throw their support behind the project by donating via donorbox.org/proika-project.
Launch Event Details:
- Wednesday, 20 November
- 7:00pm
- 16 Cubbit St, Cremorne, 3121
- On street and paid parking available on Gwynne St.
- Light refreshments provided.
- Book here.
