In a world first, The Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis, an acclaimed Greek-Australian photographer based in Sydney and Greek City Times Director of photography, donated the entire Athens exhibition to the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic, on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, during an intimate viewing at the Greek Presidential Guard Headquarters (Garrison) Athens Greece.
The exhibition was showcased at the Athens War Museum in March 2023, under the patronage of H.E., the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou. The Presidency of Greece, moved by the exhibition’s impact, graciously requested its permanent display in the Presidential Palace and the headquarters (Garrison) of the Presidential Guard (Evzones). Additionally, it will embark on tours and prestigious events of the presidency across Greece and the world.
This gesture is a testament to the historic significance of someone from the Greek diaspora contributing to the rich tapestry of Greek history in this unprecedented manner. Nick Bourdaniotis showcased the legacy of the Greek Presidential Guard (Evzones) and secured a place for it in the annals of Greek history. It is a proud moment for the Greek diaspora of Australia and a significant contribution to preserving Greek heritage.
During the guided tour with H.E., the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou through the reconstructed Athens exhibition at the Greek Presidential Guard Headquarters (Garrison) Bourdaniotis eloquently expressed how the love of Greece in Australia finds expression through the rich tapestry of art and explained the Greek DNA is interwoven within the very essence of the Greek heritage embedded within the exhibition. He underscored the exhibition's significance as a generous donation from the Australian community, whose sponsorship enabled its presentation at the Athens War Museum in Athens, which will now be permanently displayed in the Presidential Palace and Headquarters of the Evzones.
Bourdaniotis expressed to Her Excellency the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, how the vibrant Greek Diaspora in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, profoundly influenced his deep affection and dedication to Greece, a sentiment vividly displayed today. He cherished the rare opportunity to present an exclusive guided tour, showcasing unique photographs of the Evzones, and engage in a private 20-minute conversation with Her Excellency. During this exchange, Bourdaniotis extended a heartfelt invitation for the President to consider visiting Australia.
Bourdaniotis extended gratitude to the staff of the Presidency office, Garrison personnel, and the Athens War Museum team for their collaborative efforts in meticulously reconstructing the entire exhibition within the Evzones headquarters.
“The Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis” is a stunning exhibition of 27 photographs printed on high-end hand-woven photographic metallic canvas. The photos were taken by Bourdaniotis, who was granted rare, behind-the-scenes access into the daily lives of the Evzones for historical, archival, and media purposes over the past seven years.
The exhibition of The Evzones Collection opened for the first time in Sydney in February 2021 under the auspices of Archbishop Makarios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, and has travelled throughout Australia to many acclaimed venues, including the National Museum in Canberra and the Maritime Museum in Sydney.
Photographing the Evzones: A Glimpse into the Heart and Soul of Greece’s Favourite Sons.
Nick Bourdaniotis’ photographic skills are intuitive, and his artistic creations capture the humanity of the moment. His photos of the Evzones marching over the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis on approach to the Parthenon encapsulate the unconquerable spirit of Hellenism embodied in the history and traditions of the Presidential Guard.
Bourdaniotis first encountered the Evzones when a detachment of the Presidential Guard came to Sydney in 2016 to participate in the ANZAC Day commemoration. His photographic sojourn with the Evzones continued in Athens and again in Australia when members of the Presidential Guard returned to Melbourne and Adelaide.
The aesthetic sensibilities of the Evzones, whether it be their stylised movements in the changing of the guard or their standing at full attention, completely motionless, are brilliantly captured by Nick’s photographic prowess. The Evzones Collection shows the elite Presidential Guard in a genuinely remarkable light. The exhibition was held under the patronage of Her Excellency the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, at the Athens War Museum in March 2023.
Primary sponsors of the Athens exhibition are the Kalymnian Association of NSW, the Kytherian Association of Australia, The Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra and District Inc, and St Basil’s NSW/ACT.
The Athens War Museum, Greek City Times, Image Smart, and the Hellenic Club Sydney are significant contributors.
Contributors are Mr Roses Australia, Frutex Australia, Sydney Restaurant Group, The Vlandis Group, Fardoulis Chocolates, Betty Lee of Bowerhau, Raissis Hair Fashions, ETEO Olive Oil, The Public Hotel (Harris & Arthur Stamos), Felicia Aroney Art Gallery, Bourdo Photography, George & Susan Tsoukalas, Sam and Christina Tsatsoulis, George and Irene Tsenkas.
For more information about The Evzones Collection, Visit Evzones - Greece (greece2021.com.au)
The Greek media attended this historical event to document the day, and more videos, interviews and photos will follow as they come to hand.
All images courtesy from Hellenic Republic Press Office/Supplied
An interview from ERT for the Athens Exhibition in March 2023.
