Portraits of an elderly woman and an elderly man painted on domestic materials including a tiled wall and a cabinet door.

Fort Street High School

Gadigal Country

For My Grandparents

Painting

Oil on tiles, door and tablecloth

My beloved grandparents are an integral part of my life. Their stories and traditions shape my identity. Being Greek immigrants to Australia, they endured much sacrifice, upheaval and hardship. My body of work explores the intricacies of identity: the journey of life; the way emotional and cultural connections breach geographical distances; people’s small mannerisms. My work uses unconventional surfaces, such as my grandmother's tablecloth. I have represented my grandparents’ life in this country, but also my deep reverence and respect for them. Their love for each other and for family has created an enduring legacy for me here in Australia.

My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Fintan Magee, Steve Huston, Pieter Claesz.

ARTEXPRESS 2024 is a collaboration between NSW Department of Education and NSW Education Standards Authority, curated and presented by Hazelhurst Arts Centre.