Hestia`s Migration Mural Print Page

The Mural pays tribute pays tribute to the Greek community in modern day Marrickville, 200 years after their war for independence.  There are approximately 375,000 Australians with Greek ancestry, making up the seventh largest ethnic group in Australia.

Whilst Marrickville is known to be a melting pot of different cultures and communities,  the area owes much of this cultural diversity to the arrival of thousands of Greek immigrants in the 1950s and '60s. So many Greeks made Marrickville their home during these years that Greek was the predominant language spoken in the suburb for much of the second half of the 20th century.

In recognition of this heritage and the cultural contribution of Greek migrants to the area, the Inner West Council officially renamed the corridor of Marrickville between Livingstone Road and Victoria Road as 'Little Greece' in March 2021 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence.

Inner West community members have come together today to celebrate the unveiling of the latest Perfect Match artwork.
Hestia’s Migration depicts the ancient Greek goddess Hestia in the modern Australian context of the Greek migrant story.

The artist, OxKing (Steven Nuttall), who has lived in Marrickville for many years, collaborated with local property owners, residents and Greek community representatives on the concept. “In the heart of ‘Little Greece’, my artwork depicts the ancient goddess Hestia, transposed within the modern Australian context of the Greek migrant story,” he said.
 “Framed by a Greek pottery style and the green and gold colour scheme of classic Australiana, the art explores and pays tribute to the Greek community in modern day Marrickville, 200 years after their war for independence.

"Hestia, goddess of the home and hearth is depicted leaving her throne in Olympus to settle here in Marrickville where she lights her hearth fire anew for the families of the migrant community. She is framed with panels referencing the 1821 war for independence, Saint Nicolas, the migrant ship The Patrice and Greek food culture growing roots amongst Australian soil. The work also tributes Marrickville’s own rich history of clay, brickworks and pottery,” OxKing said.

Harry Prilis attended today’s unveiling celebration. He travelled to Australia on the boat depicted in the artwork. “I nearly cry when I saw this artwork,” he said. “I travelled on this boat. I was 19 when I came here. I worked so hard when I first arrived here - after a couple of years I bring my family here, brothers and sisters, Mum and Dad. I love Australia and Marrickville is my village. To the Inner West Council we say thank you very much. To any Greek person seeing this beautiful artwork it will bring a lot of emotion.”

Perfect Match is a unique Council initiative tackling unwanted graffiti and fostering legitimate creative expression and art in public spaces. The program brings artists, residents, businesses, property owners and community partners together to collaboratively create fantastic new street artworks in public places.
Inner West, 30 November 2021.

Location

Address:	Marrickville Lane, Marrickville, 2204
State:	NSW
Area:	AUS
GPS Coordinates:	Lat: -33.911322 Long: 151.157046 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

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Details

Monument Type:	Art
Monument Theme:	Landscape
Sub-Theme:	Settlement
Artist:	OxKing (Stephen Nuttall)

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:	Tuesday 30th November, 2021

Source: MA