Ενημερωτικό Δελτίο του Παλλακωνικού Συλλόγου Νότιας Αυστραλίας «Ο Λεωνίδας» [Πολιτιστικός - Προοδευ

Sunday 18 February 2024

2500th Anniversary Tribute: Adelaide Commemorates Battle of Thermopylae with Spectacular Portrait Unveiling

By Dimitri Katsambis
 
“The legacy of Leonidas and the 300 Spartans comes alive in Adelaide!” 

In a blend of high culture and historical reverence, the Pan-Laconian Family Centre in Adelaide hosted a remarkable event on Saturday evening, 17th February, commemorating the legendary King Leonidas of Sparta. The occasion marked the unveiling of a captivating portrait, drawing a full house of enthusiastic patrons to witness a moment quite unlike any other.

Τhe unveiling held special significance as it coincided with the commemoration of the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Thermopylae, a pivotal event in ancient history. Jointly organised by the Pan-Laconian Society and the Karitsa Community of South Australia, the event showcased the culmination of months of anticipation and preparation within the local Laconian community.

The portrait, a masterpiece specially commissioned for the occasion, was crafted by local Adelaide artist Antonis Malavazos, himself of Laconian and Karitsa ancestry. Generously funded by Mr. Dimitris Tsagouris, the painting now stands as the centrepiece at the Pan-Laconian Family Centre, symbolising the enduring legacy of King Leonidas.

Karitsa, a small mountain village nestled on the foothills of Mount Parnon, holds a special place in the hearts of many Adelaide residents with roots tracing back to Karitsa. Since the arrival of the first villager in 1953, this community has steadily grown, now even outnumbering the current permanent population in the ancestral village itself. The Pan-Laconian Society, established in 1966, serves as the umbrella organisation representing all Laconians in South Australia, while the Karitsa Community, formed in 1986, aims to foster unity and maintain their connections with the small ancestral village.
 
The evening saw a gathering of esteemed dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Mr. Tom Koutantonis, Consul General of Greece Mr. George Psiachas, local councillors, and mayoral representatives. Delegations from sister Laconian clubs across Australia, including Melbourne and Brisbane, further enriched the event.

Dr. David Rafferty, an academic from the University of Adelaide, delivered a compelling discourse on the historical significance of the Battle of Thermopylae, emphasising its enduring impact on Greek unity and identity.

Dina Houssos, president of the Pan-Laconian Society, expressed pride in commemorating the Battle of Thermopylae and highlighted the importance of the joint event in celebrating Laconian heritage in South Australia. She extended gratitude to all involved, particularly Mr. Tsagouris for his generosity.

Michael Malavazos, President of the Karitsa Community, reiterated the sentiment, stating, "It has long been a goal of both the Karitsa Community and the Pan-Laconians to organise a joint event. The unveiling of the King Leonidas portrait presented a unique and fitting occasion to realise this ambition, allowing both groups to come together and honour their heritage in a collective manner."

Artist Antonis Malavazos, honoured to undertake the task of portraying King Leonidas, described the painting as a timeless tribute to the fearless warrior. Using acrylic on canvas with gold accents, the portrait captures King Leonidas' strength and pride, symbolising his indomitable spirit.

The ceremony of the unveiling was truly spectacular. The painting remained hidden behind vibrant red velvet curtains positioned at the end of a magnificent red carpet. As speeches filled the air and excitement mounted, the curtains were gracefully drawn apart by the two presidents, unveiling the breathtaking artwork framed in gold. This moment was met with a crescendo of gasps of amazement, cheers of delight, and prolonged rounds of applause, echoing the overwhelming pride and admiration felt by all present.

As the evening drew to a close, the joint organizing committee drew breath to reflect on a job well done, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of all involved. The event stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of King Leonidas and the rich cultural heritage of the Laconian community in South Australia.

In commemorating King Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae, Adelaide not only celebrated a cherished historical event but also embraced the timeless values of courage, sacrifice, and unity. These are principles for living that continue to inspire Laconian communities, not least our own, to this very day.

Tuesday 6 February 2024

Παμπαροικιακή Εορτή στην Αδελαΐδα: Η 2500η Επέτειος της Μάχης των Θερμοπύλων και Αποκάλυψη Πίνακα του Λεωνίδα της Σπάρτης στο Παλλακωνικό Οικογενειακό Κέντρο

«Μια πινελιά ιστορίας, ένας πίνακας πολιτισμού - Ελάτε να τιμήσουμε την κληρονομιά μας και να γιορτάσουμε τη Μάχη των Θερμοπύλων!»


Ο Παλλακωνικός Σύλλογος της Νότιας Αυστραλίας, σε συνεργασία με την Κοινότητα Καριτσιωτών στην Αδελαΐδα, ανακοινώνει με χαρά ένα συναρπαστικό γεγονός που θα αναδείξει τη ζωντανή ιστορία των Λακώνων. Στις 17 Φεβρουαρίου 2023, όλοι οι δρόμοι της παροικίας μας οδηγούν στο Παλλακωνικό Οικογενειακό Κέντρο για να τιμήσουμε την 2500η επέτειο της Μάχης των Θερμοπύλων. Παρά την καθυστέρηση λόγω των παγκόσμιων περιορισμών της πανδημίας, αυτό το σπουδαίο ιστορικό ορόσημο θα εορταστεί με την ειδική αποκάλυψη ενός εξαιρετικού πίνακα του βασιλιά Λεωνίδα της Σπάρτης, έργο του συμπάροικου ζωγράφου Αντώνη Μαλαβάζου, οι πρόγονοι του οποίου αντλούν ρίζες από τη Λακωνία και το μικρό χωριό Καρίτσα του Πάρνωνα

Η Μάχη των Θερμοπύλων, ένα σπουδαίο ορόσημο τόσο στην ελληνική όσο και στη δυτική ιστορία, φέρει μια αιώνια σημασία που υπερβαίνει χρόνο και χώρο. Παρά την τετραετή καθυστέρηση στη μνημονευτική εκδήλωσή μας λόγω των παγκόσμιων περιορισμών της πρόσφατης πανδημίας, αποτελεί απόδειξη της ακλόνητης αφοσίωσής μας στη διατήρηση της πολιτιστικής μας κληρονομιάς. 

Το επίκεντρο της εκπληκτικής αυτής εκδήλωσης θα είναι η αποκάλυψη του καλλιτεχνικού αριστουργήματος του ζωγράφου Αντώνη Μαλαβάζου – ένας συναρπαστικός πίνακας του βασιλιά Λεωνίδα. Αυτό το εξαιρετικό έργο τέχνης στη συνέχεια θα μείνει μόνιμα για να κοσμεί το Παλλακωνικό Οικογενειακό Κέντρο, χάρη στη γενναιόδωρη υποστήριξη ενός συμπάροικου χορηγού.

Με πάθος και αφοσίωση να τιμήσει την πολιτιστική του κληρονομιά, ο Αντώνης Μαλαβάζος βλέπει αυτό το έργο τέχνης ως τον τρόπο με τον οποίο μοιράζεται κάτι με την κοινότητα των Λακώνων και των Καριτσιωτών στην Αδελαΐδα. Μέσα από την τέχνη του, προσπαθεί να συλλάβει την ουσία και την ιστορική σημασία από τις ρίζες του στη Λακωνία. Η Ντίνα Χούσου, πρόεδρος του Παλλακωνικού Συλλόγου, μοιράζεται τον ενθουσιασμό της, δηλώνοντας ότι το γεγονός προσφέρει «μια υπέροχη ευκαιρία να γιορτάσουμε τη λακωνική μας κληρονομιά και να αποτίσουμε φόρο τιμής σε αυτό το σημαντικό ιστορικό γεγονός.» Ο Μιχάλης Μαλαβάζος, πρόεδρος της Κοινότητας Καριτσιωτών στην Αδελαΐδα, επαναλαμβάνει αυτό το συναίσθημα, περιγράφοντάς το ως «μια κατάλληλη απόδοση τιμής στον βασιλιά Λεωνίδα και τους γενναίους στρατιώτες που στάθηκαν στο πλευρό του στις Θερμοπύλες.»

Αυτό το αξέχαστο βράδυ υπόσχεται πολιτιστικό εμπλουτισμό, εκτίμηση των τεχνών και τη ζεστασιά της στενής μας παροικίας. Λάκωνες και φίλοι, συμπάροικοι όλων των ηλικιών και στρωμάτων, αναμένεται να τιμήσουν αυτήν την εκδήλωση, εξασφαλίζοντας ότι θα γίνει μια πραγματικά παμπαροικιακή γιορτή. Ειδικοί καλεσμένοι και προσωπικότητες θα μας τιμήσουν με την παρουσία τους. Τοπικοί δήμαρχοι, εκπρόσωποι από συλλόγους και σωματεία της παροικίας μας, καθώς και αδελφικά σωματεία Λακώνων από όλη την Αυστραλία, θα είναι επίσης μέρος αυτής της αξέχαστης εκδήλωσης. 

Η εκδήλωση θα ξεκινήσει στις 6:30 μ.μ., ενώ η αναμενόμενη αποκάλυψη του πίνακα είναι προγραμματισμένη για τις 8:00 μ.μ. το Σάββατο, 17 Φεβρουαρίου, στο Παλλακωνικό Οικογενειακό Κέντρο, που βρίσκεται στο 24 Aldridge Avenue, Plympton Park. Είναι μεγάλη μας τιμή να έχουμε τον Δρ. David Rafferty, από το Τμήμα Ιστορικών και Κλασικών Σπουδών του Πανεπιστημίου της Αδελαΐδας, ως κεντρικό ομιλητή στην εκδήλωση. Ο Δρ. Rafferty θα παρέχει ανεκτίμητες εισηγήσεις σχετικά με τη σημασία του βασιλιά Λεωνίδα και της Μάχης των Θερμοπύλων.

Ελάτε μαζί μας σε αυτό το εξαιρετικό ταξίδι στο χρόνο, καθώς ενώνουμε τις δυνάμεις μας για να γιορτάσουμε την κληρονομιά μας, να τιμήσουμε το παρελθόν μας και να εμπνεύσουμε τις μελλοντικές γενιές. Μαζί, δημιουργούμε έναν πίνακα πολιτισμού και ανακαλύπτουμε το πνεύμα που μας ενώνει όλους. Ας αγκαλιάσουμε αυτή τη στιγμή και ας δημιουργήσουμε αναμνήσεις που θα αντηχήσουν για άλλα 2500 χρόνια.

Όλοι οι συμπάροικοι είναι ευπρόσδεκτοι. Η είσοδος επιτρέπεται μόνο με προπληρωμένα εισιτήρια. Κρατήστε τα εισιτήριά σας τώρα, επικοινωνώντας με τον Στέλιο Χαγιά στο 0417 601 732, τον Χρήστο Βλάχο στο 0492 217 161 ή τον Δημήτρη Κατσάμπη στο 0439 711 450. 

Wednesday 31 January 2024

Vale Vasilis Ghiouzepis (1941-2024)

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing yesterday, Wednesday, January 31, of Vasilis Ghiouzepis, a beloved member of the Pan-Laconian Society. Vasilis, one of the founding members in 1966, dedicated many years of unwavering service to our club.

Born in Asopos of Laconia on 21 May 1941, Vasilis was 82 years old at the time of his passing. Throughout his time with the club, Vasilis undertook crucial roles, showcasing his commitment and passion. As the long-term treasurer, he displayed financial stewardship and meticulous attention to detail. In addition to this pivotal role, he also took on various responsibilities, including serving as a club committee member, secretary, and president, leading with wisdom and grace..

Beyond his official capacities, Vasilis served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His genuine love and enthusiasm for our club will be fondly remembered by members and friends alike.

During this difficult time, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are extended to his beloved wife, Diamanto, and the entire Ghiouzepis family. May they find solace in the memories of a life well-lived and the enduring impact Vasilis had on our club.

The funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m. in the Greek Orthodox Church of St Anthony at 65 Milner St., Prospect.

Friday 29 December 2023

Discover the Art of Tony Malavazos: "The Return of Medusa"

Set 2: Discovering More Marvels from Tony's Astonishing Collection


"Continuing on Tony's artistic journey
—a tribute to boundless creativity and Laconian roots."

In an atmosphere filled with anticipation and secrecy, we eagerly await the grand reveal at the Pan-Laconian Family Centre: the exclusive portrait of King Leonidas, painted by Tony Malavazos, an artist deeply connected to Laconian heritage. The specifics of this artwork remain shrouded in mystery, poised to be revealed on February 17.

While we anticipate this significant event, let's continue immersing ourselves in Tony's artistic evolution leading up to the eagerly awaited portrait of Leonidas, destined for our Family Centre.

Our journey resumes with Tony's captivating creation, "The Return of Medusa," a mesmerizing fusion of artistry and mythology that leaves a lasting impact. 
 
This is the taste of more to come! In the upcoming weeks, our aim is to showcase more diverse sets of Tony's work from a portfolio boasting over 850 paintings covering various themes, including evocative portraits, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite still-life compositions.

Tony's art stands as a testament to both his limitless creativity and his profound connection to Laconian heritage. With every stroke, he beckons us to explore the spectrum of human emotions, the beauty of nature, and the intricacies woven into life's tapestry.

Let's continue on this creative journey as we honour the talent and unique perspective of Tony Malavazos, an artist seamlessly blending his heritage into an expansive realm of imagination. Explore, appreciate, and draw inspiration from his extraordinary artworks, stepping into a world of sheer artistic brilliance.

Today, in the second part of the series, let's revel in the enchanting allure of a curated selection of some more favourites from Tony’s extraordinary portfolio. 

Tony’s artworks are promoted under the brand "Adoni Art By Tony." If you are interested in acquiring commissioned art pieces contact andonimalavazos@gmail.com.
 
 
 
Spirit of Nature


Amid the Scent

Butterfly

Sunday 26 November 2023

A child’s remembrance of living through the Nazi atrocity against the ‘118 Spartans’ in autumn 1943

By Leonidas Petrakis
 Centre for Spartan and Peloponnesian Studies
 The University of Nottingham 


 Today is Saint Nikon's Day, the patron saint of Sparti. It also marks the 80th anniversary of the execution of 118 Laconians by the Germans in Monodendri. 

On November 26, 1943, 118 highly respected members of the Sparti community were callously executed by firing squad by the Nazis. They were betrayed by local informants, hooded collaborators of the Nazis, for their brave resistance to the German occupation of our Fatherland.

Introduction

It is well documented that the Nazis committed many horrific acts of violence against civilians in occupied Greece during World War II. The ferocity and brutality of the German occupiers intensified greatly as the Resistance was strengthening in 1943, and the capitulation of Italy forced them to assume sole responsibility for the Occupation. In their open warfare against the civilians they had the eager participation of Greek collaborators. Kalavryta, Kandanos, Distomo are well documented and known cases of Nazi brutality, but the atrocity against the Spartiates in the autumn of 1943, although extensively documented, is less well known. 

The intent of this paper is not to retell that atrocity against the Spartiates, but rather to share my remembrances of the horrific events as I lived them as a youngster, and as I still remember them decades later. Although very young at that time, I have a very clear recollection of the associated reign of terror, the curfews, the bloka (blocking-off streets or coffee shops to sweep and pick up hostages), the night time raids with help from masked collaborators who pointed houses of potential hostages, their transportation out of Sparta after briefly being detained in the municipal prison, the execution of the 118 hostages, their burial, and the devastating effect on the entire town. These I detailed in my memoir of the period, and my recounting here is based on that publication.

The coming of the Germans and the martyrdom of the 118 Spartiates in November 1943

I was six years old when the Germans came to Greece in April 1941. Our first encounter with them was when German dive-bombers were searching out retreating British troops, who were trying to reach the coast to be evacuated. After the first air raid we left the city for nearby villages, and on our way we met and talked with British soldiers who were hiding under the plane trees by the riverside or under the bridges. The Italians, who had been held prisoners in the high school for boys, were initially responsible for the administration of occupied Sparta, but the Germans returned in 1943. The famine during the exceptionally harsh winter of 1941-2; the curfews; the incidents of the budding Resistance movement; my school (second elementary near the ruins of the ancient acropolis and theatre) being taken over by the occupiers which forced us to hold first grade classes in the basement of a building across the Menelaion hotel while they broke our desks by throwing them from the roof for use as fire wood; the periodic executions; the terror of encountering the Tagmatasfalistes, men of the Security Battalion (indistinguishable in their uniforms and weapons from the Germans as they would set out from Sparta for joint operations against the Resistance antartes, burning and looting their villages; the clandestinely received BBC news that adults would whisper to one another; the requirement that we leave unlocked our front doors so patrols could enter at will and inspect who was in a house at any particular moment (I was in my bed one midnight when a soldier lifted my blanket shining a torch into my eyes as I trembled in terror); their taking over houses and restricting the owners to part of their homes: all these formed a kaleidoscope of impressions that to this day remain vivid.

The coming of the Germans into the city in formation was particularly fear-inducing. They stopped near the Eurotas bridge, and then marched, menacing in perfect formation, to the Menelaion hotel. We used to make fun of the Carabinieri laughing behind their backs and recalling the Sophia Vembo derisive songs, but the Germans filled us with terror. And despite the successes of the allies and of the Resistance, we were numb, especially when rumours came that the Germans had set a ratio of fifty Greeks to be executed for every one German soldier who would be killed.

This is how I remembered those events

Things had become very difficult by late summer of 1943. The more successes the Resistance had in the country and the Allies on all fronts, the harsher and more vindictive the Germans and their collaborators – now wearing German uniforms - became.

In November another disaster struck. The antartes had been setting up ambushes and conducting raids against the Germans. After an ambush near our town, the Germans announced reprisals, and set up roadblocks arresting people in the streets and in the coffee houses. They instituted an even stricter curfew. Terrified, we shut ourselves inside our houses and kept watch from behind the closed windows. Around midnight we saw soldiers and a few civilians wearing masks. There was also barba-Yiannis, the tavern-keeper, without a mask. They arrested the young pharmacist next door and the high school teacher across the street. Uncle Nikos climbed over the back yard wall and jumped in barba-Stamati’s garden, escaped and joined the Resistance.

They arrested 119 people, mostly men, but some women and at least one boy. They took many who were in the Resistance, but also people who were not, but had been falsely accused because of personal grudges. The following day many people assembled outside the prison where the hostages had been taken. They were pleading, crying, asking for information. What was to happen to the hostages? Late in the afternoon the police ordered everyone away from the prison, but relatives were allowed to bring clothing and food; and they were told that the Germans would interrogate and then decide separately for each hostage. A couple of days later the Germans took the hostages in three lorries to Tripoli (some said Athens) for ‘interrogation’. We rushed to the main road leading out of the city, to the same spot where we had seen the arrival of the German troops earlier.

Military trucks full of soldiers appeared and then the three lorries with the hostages standing like cattle on the way to the slaughterhouse. The Germans and Security Battalion recruits did not let us get close to the convoy and everyone was trying to find their loved one from far away with eyes full of tears. Late in November all hostages, except one, were massacred by the Germans in the most savage way.

That November morning I went up to the bishopric for the morning syssition. Two neighbourhood kids and I arrived early. We found Mrs. Fotini and the other women tearful and agitated. Instead of preparing the syssition, they were huddling together, saying the names of the hostages who had been executed.

The 118 were executed near the Chani at Monodentri. They were killed to teach us all a lesson, even those not active in the Resistance, for we were only Greeks after all, our lives were cheap and did not count, the only thing that counted was the new order of things, what the Führer had decreed - explosions, plunder, setting fire to churches and crops, and since many still resisted or refused to cooperate or would not inform on their compatriots, then they deserved the gallows and the execution squad, in a ratio of fifty Greeks to one German, despite the fact that they were innocent people, women and children, old people, they were not humans, just numbers, necessary only to fulfil the ratio set by the German General Command.

But for Mrs. Fotini and the other women and for all of us the martyred hostages were relatives, friends, neighbours. That was why the women were reciting the names, one by one, of all those killed—the heroic doctor and the woman teacher, the four brothers and the son of our priest and that splendid man the pharmacist next door, who played the guitar and sang beautifully during summer evenings.

On the day before the massacre, we saw additional German soldiers leaving hastily. Among them was young Willy, just out of high school, a machine gunner, he lived in the confiscated house across the street. Before leaving for the killing field he oiled his machine gun in front of us, silently, with great attention, as if he was preparing it for a mystical rite.

A few days later, young Willy told several of us kids who had gathered around him as he was again oiling his machine gun, many details about the killing. The hostages had been taken to Monodentri around midnight and they were left in the lorries until daybreak. At that time they marched them to the little meadow next to the road. They turned on the lorry headlights so that little Willy and every other butcher could see them well. The hostages started singing the National Anthem and the officer in charge gave the order and they started with the machine guns. “This drank a lot of blood again”, he told us pointing to his machine gun. He said it matter-of-factly without any emotion. The machine guns were firing, Willy told us, for several minutes. Then the officers went and shot each hostage in the back of the head, the coup-de-grace, as he called it. My two friends and I took to our heels without waiting to get our morning milk. 

On the way we told anyone we ran into, --They killed the hostages by the Chani at Monodentri!

We were the first ones to hear the news, so we became the bearers of tragic news. We ran furiously with bated breath and brought the message of death. We stopped at the coffee houses and delivered it and took to our heels again. To all the passers-by we told the news as we kept on running. Some did not hear our words, but understood our message.

I got to our house and found mother beside herself with worry about where I was. She had heard the wretched news already, because it had spread like a whirlwind, like a blaze, throughout the whole city.

Suddenly we heard Mitsos shouting to Mrs. M. that they had killed the hostages including her son. Her hearing was not good, so Mrs. M. cupped her hand around her ear to hear. Mrs. K. also came out, put her finger in front of her lips biting it in an expression of disaster. She stopped Mitsos from repeating the
terrible news to the poor mother, who was unaware that she had already been touched by death. Later they told Mrs. M. that her son was not dead, but that he had been sent to a labour camp and after the war he would return to Greece. They started writing letters to her, supposedly from her son, and they read them to her and told her that the news was that he was coming back.

The day the Germans executed the hostages they issued an order prohibiting circulation from one pm until the next morning, because they were to bring the dead to have them buried.

In the afternoon the funeral convoy arrived. There were three lorries like the ones that had taken them a month earlier. I was sitting by the window numbly waiting. The three lorries passed and I saw the dead from very close up. This time they were not standing packed as when they had been taken from the
prison, but they were piled one on top of the other like slaughtered sheep, lifeless, bloody bodies, with heads smashed by the coup-de-grace shots. The Germans dug two big trenches across from my grandmother’s grave and threw in the dead bodies from the lorries.

I don’t know how we endured all these ordeals. I don’t know what more we have to suffer. Is this martyrdom of ours ever going to end?

Subsequent related experiences
In the summer of 1946 I spent a few days in Monodentri with relatives who kept their sheep and goat flocks very close to the killing field. I went with my sister from Sparta to the Chani at Monodentri by bus, and we were met there by our relatives. I was overwhelmed thinking of the events that had taken place in the shallow field nearby less than three years earlier.

In 1965 while visiting Greece from the US for the first time on our way to Sparta we stopped at the Monument directly across from the shallow killing field. We brought flowers and we read the names of the dead. The Spartiates, never forgetting their dead, had honoured the fallen heroes of 1943 by erecting a simple but imposing monument.

In 1970 we found ourselves again in Sparta, this time arriving over the Taygetos passage from Kalamata with our young children. Friends advised us, on account of the junta of the colonels, not to stop at the Monument or at least to be careful not to be seen paying our respects. Of course we stopped there, but the Monument this time had clearly been neglected. There were broken pots, but also dried flowers: Spartiates or passers-by, at the risk of incurring the wrath of the junta authorities, had obviously continued to bring flowers and to remember the sacrifice of the dead there. The Simonides couplet at Thermopylae would apply equally well at Monodentri.

References
Enepekides, P. K., 1964. Die Griechische Widerstandsbewegung 1941-1944 Auf Grund der Geheimakten der Wehrmacht in Griechenland. Athens: Hestia.
Glendis, Κ. Α., 1979. Εφτά Χρόνια στη Σπάρτη (1939-1946). Athens.
Mazower, Mark, 1993. Inside Hitler’s Greece –The Experience of Occupation 1941-44.
New Haven: Yale University Press.
Petrakis, L., 1997. Τότε που το Χιόνι ‘Επεσε. New York (Library of Congress
Catalog Card number 96-93043; Published privately in Greek; Translated in
English by Angelos Sakkis for possible English publication).

Saturday 25 November 2023

Discover the Art of Tony Malavazos: Adelaide Freelance Painter of Laconian Heritage

 Set 1: A selection of 10 of our favourites from a remarkable portfolio 

"Journey through Tony's brushstrokes: 
a testament to boundless creativity and Laconian roots."

In an atmosphere charged with anticipation and secrecy, we eagerly await the unveiling of the centerpiece attraction at the Pan-Laconian Family Centre: a specially crafted portrait of King Leonidas by Tony Malavazos, a local artist deeply rooted in Laconian heritage. The details of this painting are shrouded in mystery, poised to be revealed on February 17 next year.

While we await this momentous occasion, let's delve into Tony's artistic journey leading up to the much-anticipated portrait of Leonidas, destined to grace our Family Centre.

Our artistic exploration commences with Tony's captivating piece, "Fierce Medusa," a mesmerising fusion of artistry and mythology that leaves an indelible impression.

But that's just the beginning! In the weeks to come we intend to feature various sets of Tony's work from a portfolio exceeding 850 paintings spanning diverse themes, from evocative portraits to breathtaking landscapes and exquisite still-life compositions.

Tony's art stands as a testament to both his limitless creativity and his profound connection to Laconian heritage. With every brushstroke, he beckons us to delve into the spectrum of human emotions, the splendour of nature, and the intricacies of life's tapestry.

Join us on this creative odyssey as we honour the talent and unique perspective of Tony Malavazos, an artist seamlessly blending his heritage into an expansive realm of imagination. Discover, admire, and draw inspiration from his extraordinary artworks, stepping into a world of sheer artistic brilliance.

Today, in the first set of the series, let's enjoy the enchanting charm of a curated selection of ten favourites from Tony’s remarkable portfolio.

Tony’s artworks are promoted under the brand "Adoni Art By Tony." If you are interested in acquiring commissioned art pieces contact andonimalavazos@gmail.com.
 
 
 
 
Fierce Medusa

 
Persephone

 
Free Spirit

Red Passion

Secrets

Whispering

Australian Outback

Repose

Adelaide Hills

Into the Moonlight

Tuesday 10 October 2023

«Αρχαία Ελληνική Τεχνολογία και Επιστήμες» – Διάλεξη του Παν. Μαυραειδή στην Αδελαϊδα

Μια διάλεξη που αποκαλύπτει την κληρονομιά της αρχαίας ελληνικής τεχνολογίας στη σύγχρονη εποχή

Διάλεξη με θέμα «Αρχαία Ελληνική Τεχνολογία και Επιστήμες», θα δώσει ο Παναγιώτης Μαυραειδής, την Κυριακή, 15 Οκτωβρίου και ώρα 3 μ.μ., στο Ολύμπικ Χωλ, στην Αδελαΐδα.

Η διάλεξη πραγματοποιείται στα πλαίσια του ελληνικού φεστιβάλ «Οδύσσεια 2023» που διοργανώνει η Eλληνική Ορθόδοξη Kοινότητα Νότιας Αυστραλίας, σε συνεργασία με το Ελληνικό Μουσείο της Αδελαΐδας.

Η ομιλία αναφέρεται στα τεχνολογικά επιτεύγματα των αρχαίων Ελλήνων. H ανακάλυψη της δύναμης του ατμού, η χρήση ρολογιών ακριβείας, η μέτρηση της περιφέρειας της Γης, η χρήση αναλογικών υπολογιστών, η κωδικοποίηση μηνυμάτων, η κατασκευή μηχανικών και πνευματικών αυτοματισμών, αλλά και άλλων εφαρμογών ήταν γνωστά εδώ και δύο χιλιάδες χρόνια πριν στους αρχαίους.

Η ομιλία έχει διάρκεια περίπου μία ώρα και τριάντα λεπτά και συνοδεύεται από προβολή εικόνων, σχεδιαγραμμάτων αλλά και βίντεο λειτουργίας των αρχαίων αυτών συσκευών.

Τις σημειώσεις από τη διάλεξη αλλά και άλλα βιβλία του Παναγιώτη Μαυραειδή μπορείτε να τα βρείτε (από την ημέρα της ομιλίας και μετά) σε ηλεκτρονική μορφή στην ιστοσελίδα του συγγραφέα: http://payhip.com/MavraidisBooks

Ο Παναγιώτης Μαυραειδής γεννήθηκε στην Αδελαΐδα. Σπούδασε Tεχνολόγος Ηλεκτρονικός Mηχανικός στην Ελλάδα. Είναι ο γραμματέας και ένα από τα ιδρυτικά μέλη του Ελληνικού Μουσείου της Αδελαΐδας. Εργάζεται στην Αδελαΐδα στον χώρο των ραδιοτηλεπικοινωνιών και είναι δημιουργός και παραγωγός του ελληνόφωνου ραδιοφωνικού σταθμού «Μελωδία» στην Αδελαΐδα. Έχει εκδώσει το 2021 το μυθιστόρημα επιστημονικής φαντασίας εμπνευσμένο από την Ελληνική Μυθολογία με τίτλο: «Αγγελιοφόρος από μακριά» αλλά και εργασία έρευνας με τίτλο: «Τεχνητή νοημοσύνη, από την φαντασία στην πραγματικότητα. Έτος 2023».

Πηγή: Νέος Κόσμος