One of Australia’s most important artists is about to present to Sydney audiences, via NSW Parliament House, an exhibition that is designed to make one think about freedom and what it means to Hellenes and Australians.
Angela Kiki Konstantinopoulou is an artist who has seen the world, having lived in Southeast Asia and Sydney, been part of the fashion world in her native Greece and taught fashion design in Patra.
“My life experiences exploring arts textiles, crafts, symbols and temples of the past’s anonymous and known artists in different countries has influenced my style of painting,” she explained.
Her passion for arts, culture and living in the home of the Greek revolution (Peloponnese) has certainly influenced her work this century. Those of us lucky enough to be in Sydney, Canberra or Greece would have seen her solo or group exhibitions.
With the support of AHEPA Sydney & NSW and the Greek Consulate of Sydney, Kiki has brought to life a series of exhibitions which reflects on the heroism and tragedy of the Greek Revolution and the heroes who inspired her as an artist and a person.
In 2021, Konstantinopoulou exhibited International Women’s Day and 1821 Greek Heroines, highlighting the women of the most important epoch of Greek history, the creation of a modern state which came via blood, sweat and tears.
One of the most important exhibitions and one that personally breaks my heart as a descendent of Asia Minor, was “Smyrna Ablaze”‘ for those who are aware of or perhaps never heard of this great city and its tragic loss over a century ago, her work allowed us to transit through time to be in Smyrna as the catastrophe unfolded.
The artist’s great work has been critically acclaimed and recognised, as she has been awarded accolades in Australia and Greece.
In the 1990s Kiki was the designer and coordinator for the Patras Carnival/City Council, the 1992 designer of the uniforms of Greek delegates and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece for The Mediterranean Games in Cyprus, and winner of the Industry Award of Excellence.
In 2021 four of her paintings from Kiki’s series HEROES of 1821 were chosen by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, His Eminence Marcarios, to mark the official Stamps for the Bicentennial Revolution of 1821.
Kiki stated:
“My 1821 Greek Heroes series, is an example of my inner feelings, passion and desire for freedom coming from my cultural upbringing which is fundamental to my first art series. I have great joy painting with the flow of energy from within my soul using different mediums and art styles depending on the mood I am in when starting a new piece of art. I always reflect on the subject matter which has inspired me, especially the revolution.”
“Ode to Freedom” illuminates the long–standing ties between Greece and New South Wales, celebrating shared values of courage, democracy, and resilience.
Among the standout works which will be on exhibition includes is her striking interpretation of Lord Byron, honouring his profound connection to Mesolonghi and his enduring legacy within the Greek struggle for freedom.
The collection also turns its attention to Australia, with pieces that illuminate the stories of the first Greeks in Australia, including a tribute to Katherine Crummer (née Plessos), the first known Greek woman to settle in Australia. Crummer’s life reflects an early and important chapter in the shared history of Hellenism and NSW.
The artist told Neos Kosmos she wants audiences to “reflect on freedom not only as a historical achievement, but as a living value shaped by courage, sacrifice and personal choice”.
“Through art, history and symbolism, the exhibition encourages viewers to engage with the enduring legacy of the Greek War of Independence, the historic exodus of Messolonghi and its broader connections to Australia, highlighting how the pursuit of freedom has resonated across cultures and generations as well as continents.”
The exhibition captures themes of resilience, including that of Catherine Crummer, the exhibition will prompt curiosity, dialogue and learning.
“The tribute to Katherine Crummer emerged organically through my long–term artistic engagement with the Greek War of Independence and its heroes. It was Dr Panagiotis Diamadis who introduced me to the historical facts surrounding Katherine’s life and encouraged me to explore her story more deeply. His insight sparked a profound interest that led me to further research, including my own search for her grave at Waverley Cemetery in Bronte.”
Kiki continued:
“Katherine grew up in the palace of Ali Pasha, Ioannina. Officially she was engaged to Ioannis Kolettis who later became the Prime minister of Greece but ultimately married Captain James Henry Crummer a British Army officer, veteran of the Battle of Waterloo. She travelled to Australia in 1835 with high social standing due to her husband’s military rank. She was reportedly the last living person to have met Lord Byron in Messolonghi.”
Hence the incredible story of Katherine’s was revealed to the artist and became a natural fit for the exhibition, as a historical narrative and as a deeply human one.
AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc will support the “Ode to Freedom”, exhibition, which is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Mesolonghi next month. The heartbreaking story will be visually told, an exhibition which our community and broader community will truly appreciate.
Nia Gitsas, the President of AHEPA Sydney & NSW, explained that Ode to Freedom is a deeply personal and collective milestone.
“Presenting this exhibition is the result of months of dedicated work and reflection on how best to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Messolonghi. Central to our discussions was the importance of highlighting the enduring connections between Greece/Australia, an idea strongly advocated by Dr Panagiotis Diamantis, symbolised through the story of Katherine Crummer.”
The exhibition thus brings together history, art and civic values through the work of the renown artist.
“Angela Kiki Konstantinopoulou’s work powerfully honours the timeless ideals of democracy and freedom that sit at the heart of the Greek spirit and are foundational to Australia’s own democratic tradition. It was this shared set of values that inspired my determination to see Ode to Freedom presented within the NSW Parliament,” Gitsas said.
The support of Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Georgios Skemperis, of this inspiring collection is appreciated by the President.
The exhibition will be showcased at the Fountain Court, NSW Parliament House, from 5-28 May 2026.
The artist’s ability to bridge past and present honouring the legacy of freedom, resilience, and human spirit has positioned her as a distinctive creative voice within Australia’s multicultural artistic landscape. The work is characterised by a meticulous attention to storytelling, reflecting years of dedicated research into the heroes and defining moments of Hellenic history. The exhibition will be inspiring.
*Billy Cotsis is the author of 1453: Constantinople & The Immortal Rulers
