The Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis has been making waves around the world. It showcases the elite unit of the Presidential Guard, the Evzones, through stunning photography. As the collection continues its journey, the exhibition concluded a two-week celebration of the 25th of March 2024 at, The Greek Club in Brisbane, Australia.
On March 25th, a date of great significance as it marks Greece’s Independence Day, The Evzones Collection exhibition was unveiled to more than 300 dignitaries convened to commemorate Greece’s Independence Day, marking a significant milestone in the enduring cordial relations between Queensland and Greece. The special event was hosted by George Mastrocostas, the newly appointed Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland.
Among the distinguished guests were His Grace Bishop Emilianos of Meloa, Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek (representing opposition leader David Crisafulli), Brisbane Mayor Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, and Melissa O’Rourke, the State Director for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
During the event, Mr. Mastrocostas emphasized the importance of Greek Independence Day as a cornerstone in the establishment of principles such as democracy, justice, and equality, which continue to unite Greece and Australia today.
“As we commemorate Greek Independence Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, and equality for all,” Mr. Mastrocostas conveyed to the attending guests.
After the consul's reception in the great hall the following week, the exhibition continued downstairs in the Olympus rooms under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. George Brisbane Cultural Committee. The exhibition was open to the general public. On the opening night, it attracted over 150 people, with the Ellinikis Fones choir singing the Greek and Australian National Anthems and various speeches discussing the significance of the Evzone's role in the Greek Revolution. Throughout the week-long celebrations, the exhibition gathered hundreds of visitors, earning praise as one of the most successful events hosted by the Brisbane Cultural Committee in many years. The committee was particularly gratified by the strong support from the Greek diaspora of Brisbane and the Gold Coast for the March 25th celebrations.
Freda Valassakis, the newly appointed president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Saint George, Brisbane, aims to bring more quality cultural events to Brisbane to help the youth of the city maintain a strong connection to their Greek heritage. The constant flow of visitors was noted, and the Evzones Collection team made a special mention of Tom Drakopolous and the ladies of the Cultural Committee Marina Marangos, Voula Castan, Katerini Manolatos, and Tina Reike for all the time and effort on making this event very successful.
Nick Bourdaniotis, the photographer and founder of The Evzones Collection, went on to say, "People who visit the exhibition often become emotional and deeply moved by what they see. I enjoy observing their reactions and listening to their words as they sometimes struggle to articulate the overwhelming emotions that the photos evoke. Many were brought to tears this time in Brisbane, which humbly reassures me that perhaps I have succeeded in making the Evzones family proud, as I frequently refer to them."
Accompanied by the Exhibition's director, Mr George Karantonis told Greek City Times "Bringing the collection to Nick's birthplace of Queensland for the first time holds a special place in his heart. This visit allows him to share his work with the community that shaped him and to celebrate his Greek heritage in a meaningful way."
The exhibition's popularity has continued to grow, following successful showings at the Athens War Museum and the Garrison of the Presidential Guard in 2023. Nick Bourdaniotis' donation of the entire exhibition to the Presidency under the patronage of H.E. Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou further solidified the collection's significance and importance.
The Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis continues to captivate audiences with its stunning imagery and portrayal of the Evzones. As it travels the world, it serves as a powerful tribute to Greece's favourite sons and the values they represent. Bourdaniotis' Evzones Collection serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek tradition and the power of art to inspire and unite. Through his lens, he invites viewers to connect with the Evzones on a deeper level, fostering a greater appreciation for their role in preserving Greece's cultural identity. As the collection continues to captivate audiences around the world, it serves as a reminder of the importance of honouring and preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
With plans to bring the exhibition to various states across the USA in 2025, The Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis is reaching new audiences and exposing them to the rich history and tradition of the Evzones. The photographs serve as a powerful reminder of the unit's dedication to Greece and its representation of Hellenic values around the world.
In alignment with the Brisbane exhibition a freshly printed limited edition of The Evzones Collection Coffee Table Book heralds its second release. This meticulously crafted edition surpasses its predecessor with an expanded array of photographs. Presented in landscape orientation and perfectly bound using premium archival high-grade photographic smooth satin silk paper for the inner pages and a premium soft cover, finished with a gloss cello glaze, this book pays the ultimate tribute to the Evzones through its beautiful design and highest quality print.
A real collector’s item and family keepsake.
The primary sponsor of the Brisbane exhibition at the Greek Club are the Kalymnian Association of NSW, the Kytherian Association of Australia, the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, Consul General of Greece in Queensland and Greek Orthodox Community of St. George Brisbane Cultural Committe. Significant contributors are The Greek Club, Greek City Times and Image Smart.
Photo Gallery of the Brisbane 25th Celebrations 2024
Photo Copyright: Nick Bourdaniotis / Bourdo Photography & George Karantonis / Image Smart
