In celebration of one of Australia’s biggest Greek festivals, Paniyiri Festival, acclaimed local artist Michael Zavros has transformed one of Brisbane’s busiest bridges into a work of art titled Caryatid. Zavros projected a montage of images onto the William Jolly Bridge in celebration of his proud Greek Australian heritage. “Caryatid was made to coincide with Brisbane’s Paniyiri Festival and projected on to the bridge over (this) weekend, celebrating all things Greek,” he explained.

The inspiration for Caryatid was derived from a collaboration between Zavros and Brisbane City Council’s Urban Design Team. The artwork features images of Zavros’ children enacting classical Greek iconography and mythology. Zavros described the artwork as “temporary and ephemeral but references something permanent”, something “set in stone”. He continued, “The repeated portrait is of my daughter Phoebe holding an Ionic capital aloft and references Caryatid sculptures in ancient Grecian architecture. My children are central to my broader practice, the subject matter of several recent portraits.” As well as rejoicing in his Greek Australian heritage, Zavros hoped Caryatid would make people think more seriously about the “commodification and appropriation of classical iconography in popular culture.”

Paniyiri will be held from Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 May at Musgrave Park and South Brisbane’s Greek Club. Saturday’s festivities will be farwelled with another display of Caryatid. Festival attendees can be expected to enjoy traditional Mediterranean food, dance, performances, and music, as well as a myriad of rides and other attractions.

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