proika is a collaborative project comprised of Co-Creative Director and Photographer Demi Kromidellis, Co-Creative Director and Fashion Designer Maria Koutsoukos and Journalist Marianna Alepidis. By blending fashion, photography and conversation, proika creates a space to examine the physical and metaphorical heirlooms passed down through generations of families. This project questions the future of Greek culture in Australia by exploring which elements are likely to be passed on to future generations, and how first-generation Greek migrants perceive this interpretation and expression of heritage.

This project had specific focus on three migrant households: Thomi Kalavrianos’ home in Yarraville, Panagiota Mavraganis’ home in Hadfield, and Christine Boursinos’ home in Cheltenham.

Through Demi’s lens, the raw essence of these homes and their heirlooms were captured alongside a contemporary reinterpretation of them, being Maria’s clothing. This was all brought together by Marianna’s heartfelt words, drawn from her lengthy, in-depth conversations with Thomi, Nota, and Christina detailing their migrant journeys and experiences in Australia.

Demi’s role in this project was to capture and print each image in the darkroom. Each photograph was taken using the Pentax 67 camera on portra 400 medium format film. The process of printing ensured negatives were carefully placed into an enlarger, where colour filtrations were experimented with. The projected images were transferred onto light-sensitive paper, which were then processed through a development machine, bringing these photographic prints to life.

This project would not have been possible without Producers Dean Kotsianis and Peter Giasoumi, leading founders of networking group yitonia. Through their extensive network, they brought Demi, Maria, and Marianna together to lead this project. They facilitated the connection with each home and exhibition space for the project to be displayed. Their work in enabling this project to come to life is greatly valued and deserves upmost recognition.

Special thank you: To models Madalene Gravina, Constance Gravina, Kristen Politis and Cassie Patitsas, behind the scenes Photographer Jonathan Valis and Videographer Jorja Kavellaris, Graphic Designer Marie Petridis, Pitliangas Food Group for their generous sponsorship, those who donated to the project via proika Donorbox, MBO Tailors and Thematikos for providing the exhibition space, event partners Fresh Connection Brighton, Going Nuts Thornbury, Rally Alepidis and Yiayia’s Glyka, and Media Partner The Greek Herald.

Read more about proika below:

proika exhibition explores cultural bonds that unite the Greek Australian community.

Capturing legacies: the proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants.

Walk through the proika project in an intimate viewing experience.

Photographed by Jorja Kavellaris at Christine’s home.