Singapore has a diverse range of nationalities, with expatriates from around the globe contributing to its multiculturalism. While the Greek community remains a minority, it is active and lively.
Although the exact number of the Greeks living in Singapore remains undocumented, the Hellenic Association of Singapore is one of the most prominent social organisations for Greeks in the country; the centre holds cultural events and social gatherings for Greek expatriates.
Greek cuisine can be found at places like Bakalaki Greek Taverna, while religion and faith continue to be a pillar of the Greek community there, with the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Christian Cathedral of Singapore.
Singapore is also a bustling artistic hub and is home to artist Emi Avora and aspiring fashion design student Isavella Kouvelis, two creative forces whose expressive backgrounds are making impressions in Singapore’s art and fashion scene.
Blending Greek heritage and Asian culture
Greek born Emi Avora brings a fresh perspective to the Singaporean art culture by blending elements of her Greek heritage into her artistic style.
“Over the last seven years, Greek heritage has been a more overt part of my work with elements of Greek mythology as well ancient Greek art and pottery appearing in my compositions,” Avora told Neos Kosmos.
Avora remembers dabbling with a paintbrush since she was a little girl, a passion that eventually led her to specialise in painting on paper and canvas.
She completed her formal art qualifications at Ruskin school at Oxford University, then progressed onto Royal Academy schools in London for her Masters.
Her passion for arts was driven by her personal desire to bridge the outer and inner worlds through painting. Her initial inspiration came from her father and her first teacher in Corfu who fostered her artistic journey.
Avora was based in London for many years before moving to Singapore six years ago for her husband’s work.
“I was curious to experience another continent and see first-hand the blending of cultures that happens in Singapore,” she said.
Leaving behind London’s weather, the artist was keen to immerse herself into Singapore’s warmer climate.
“I am interested in creating encounters between my Greek heritage and the Asian culture that surrounds me in a seamless and enigmatic way,” she said.
Avora’s artwork has been exhibited in several parts of the world including the USA, England, Southeast Asia and China.
Despite building a life in Singapore, Greek culture remains deeply integrated in the artist’s life. Avora looks forward to travelling to Greece every year for the European Summer, where she reconnects with family and staying in touch with the Greek language.
“Greek practices are always integrated in my household whether that is food or celebrations, or occasional Greek events organised by the Hellenic Association in Singapore,” she said.
The artist hopes her work can offer audiences a space for dreaming and imagination. Currently her art is displayed at Art Works Gallery in Singapore, meanwhile she is also working on commissioned pieces for larger paintings.
Young Greek Aussie leaving her mark
Another aspiring Greek talent is 19-year-old Greek Australian fashion design student Isavella Kouvelis.
Kouvelis is establishing her mark in Singapore’s fashion industry, bringing a unique cultural perspective to one of Asia’s most admired design institutions.
Currently studying at Raffles College of Higher Education for almost two years, she stands out as an Australian student in a predominantly Southeast Asian program.
“There are no Australian people at my school, let alone Greek Australians,” Kouvelis told Neos Kosmos.
Singapore, a leading fashion hub, has provided the student with an immersive and dynamic environment where she can experiment with new design ideas for her current collection.
Her most recent collection draws inspiration from a childhood artwork she created at the age of five while attending Alphington Grammar School in Melbourne.
“When I was in prep, I painted these paintings and my teacher pulled my mum aside and showed her my paintings, she said this does not look like it has been painted by a five-year-old,” Kouvelis said.
The original piece, an image of a striking emu set against a purple background showcasing her childhood memories and imagination.
“This time I chose an Ostridge instead of an Emu and I wanted to make it fun and out there,” she said.
Proud of her childhood artwork, Kouvelis was feeling nostalgic and chose to expand on it for her final diploma collection. This piece has been transformed into a capsule collection which explores themes of nostalgia, identity and self-reflection.
In June, Kouvelis secured work in Greece and looks forward to expanding her artistic vision whilst collaborating with Greek artist Christina Kostopoulou, allowing her to merge fine art with fashion while further embracing and celebrating her Greek heritage.
Kouvelis remains deeply integrated and immersed in her Greek culture, she regularly attends Greek church services and acknowledges the importance of preserving her cultural traditions. She is also a regular visitor to one of Singapore’s popular Greek restaurants Bakalaki.
As she pursues her studies, Kouvelis aspires to launch her personal fashion label one day with her artistic expression ensuring her as a promising future to Singapore’s evolving fashion scene.
Both Emi Avora and Isavella Kouvelis, proudly blend their Greek cultural heritage into their creative works. Their artistic expressions continue to motivate and enrich Singapore’s rising artistic and fashion communities.
