Exhibition celebrates Greek independence and recaptures 'divine' inspiration

13 January 2022

Exhibition celebrates Greek independence and recaptures 'divine' inspiration From gorgeous oil paintings to intriguing digital works, come see The Apotheosis – a new exhibition of exciting and thought-provoking art on display at NSW Parliament House and online until 3 February 2022.

The latest free exhibition to be hosted in Parliament's Fountain Court (and available in an immersive virtual gallery at www.bit.ly/the-apotheosis-exhibition), The Apotheosis acknowledges 200 years since the Greek War of Independence. Curated for the Greek Festival of Sydney by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, it features the works of two artists: Sydney-based Phillip George, and Margarita Georgiadis, from the Southern Tablelands.

"Our works are incredibly different to look at, but have a united inspiration and theme – which isn't just the celebration of Greek independence, but a recapturing of the 'aesthetic apotheosis' that occurred around the War of Independence some 200 years ago," Phillip said.

"Apotheosis is a word that comes from the Greek 'apotheoun', referring to the elevation of something to divine status. And that's really what happened to art around that time, with a whole generation of European artists inspired to real creativity and action by the events. Margarita and I have really tried to re-embrace that in the works we have on display."

Margarita said visitors to the exhibition – whether online or in person – could spend a good amount of time exploring the complexities of the pieces.

"Steeped in history and culture, our art deals with the fluid, criss-crossing elements of place, space and time, as well as introspection and loss. You can come to Parliament House or view online and spend as much or as little time as you like taking it all in – but the more you look and ponder, the more you'll discover."

The exhibition is being hosted at Parliament by Mark Coure, Member for Oatley and Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors. "I am proud to have helped this exhibition make its way to Parliament House, through Parliament's open exhibition program," Mr Coure said. "This program sees different artworks and educational displays take over our Fountain Court each month, so there is always something new for visitors at Parliament to see and experience."

In-person visitor info: NSW Parliament House (www.parliament.nsw.gov.au) remains open to the public at 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney on weekdays, 9am-5pm. Entry is via the gatehouse to the left of the building and COVID safety measures are in place, including mandatory check-ins and mask-wearing. Please do not visit if you have any symptoms of illness.

The works of Margarita Georgiadis have been supported by a grant from Southern Tablelands Arts

**IMAGERY AVAILABLE** AT https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uvx827nwzanrgpz/AADm1A_j_OaX0ir2Kn2ru9k7a?dl=0