Visual artist James Pasakos has found a profound connection between his art and his personal experiences.
The Docklands, Melbourne’s historical precinct from the Victorian Gold Rush era, has served as a powerful backdrop in his exploration of identity, belonging, and the intricate interplay between cultural heritage and upbringing. For Pasakos, these docklands symbolise more than a maritime landscape; they are a mirror reflecting his quest to fathom the essence of belonging and the complexities of cultural identity.
Drawing from his Australian upbringing and Greek heritage, he intertwines these diverse worlds, creating a narrative that celebrates the blending of cultural values and the evolution of personal identity.
Employing Printmaking, Drawing, and Mixed Media, Pasakos crafts works that exude a surreal yet atmospheric quality, drenched in hues that evoke a sense of mystery and personal introspection. His artistic journey extends beyond solitary creation, engaging in collaborative projects, exhibitions, and print exchanges that enrich both his techniques and narrative.
While rooted in Melbourne, Pasakos now calls Ballarat home, where he serves as a Visual Arts Lecturer at Federation University Australia, sharing his expertise in Printmaking, Drawing, and Studio Practice. His academic journey boasts a Master of Fine Art and an array of Visual Arts qualifications.
Since 1991, Pasakos has exhibited extensively across Australia and globally, featuring in solo and group exhibitions, with his works finding residence in public, private, and university collections, and participated in global conferences and exhibitions like IMPACT in Spain, China and Scotland.
Pasakos founded the regional collective ‘Goldfields Printmakers’ in 2012, a concept brought to fruition from an international Printmaking conference held at Monash University, Melbourne in 2011. The collective has exhibited and participated in projects throughout Victoria and internationally. Pasakos is also co-founder of the international collective ‘Thinking of Place.’ A collective beginnings at an international Printmaking conference in Scotland, Dundee 2012. Various initiated international projects have seen the collective embrace and included many other cities across the globe. Projects have travelled through Germany, USA, Serbia, England, New Zealand, Canada and many other international cities.
Beyond artworks, Pasakos’ art is a testament to the migrant stories he cherishes, serving as touching reminders of the fragility and resilience of human identity. His ongoing projects, ‘Thinking of Place’ and ‘Parallel Prints NZ&AU’ transcend geographical boundaries with diverse narratives and collective experiences.
Pasakos’ artistic journey embodies not only personal introspection but also a celebration of cultural diversity, inviting viewers to traverse landscapes of identity, belonging, and the ever-evolving human experience.
Links to projects, exhibitions, and achievements can be found in the artist’s profile at Federation University Australia and various exhibition websites:
- https://federation.edu.au/schools/school-of-arts/staff-profiles/arts-academy/jimmy-pasakos
- http://www.jamespasakos.com/
- https://www.goldfieldsprintmakers.com/
- https://www.thinkingofplace.com/
James is amongst many Greek Australian artists who have participated in the GAAD (Greek Australian Artist Directory). An initiative by the Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL), the GAAD celebrates Greek Australian visual and performing artists by showcasing their works and contributions to the Australian arts landscape. By preserving and promoting the artistic legacy of Greek Australian artists, the directory ensures that their talents are duly acknowledged and cherished, cementing their place in Australia’s artistic narrative.
Interested artists can register their profiles by visiting www.gacl.com.au and clicking on the dedicated GAAD section. For any inquiries related to the GAAD, individuals can either email GACL President Cathy Alexopoulos infogaclm@gmail.com or contact GAAD Co-ordinator Vasy Petros on 0412 242557
*Written by Vasy Petros. This is a Greek Australian Cultural League Initiative supported by The Greek Herald.
