After discovering the first Greek immigrants to Australia settled in Picton, a TAFE NSW Campbelltown student is determined to tell their story through art to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution.  

Angela ‘Kiki’ Konstantinopoulou, 62, is studying a Certificate III in Graphic Design Fundamentals and has become a global success in the art industry after her oil paintings of prominent figures in Greek history attracted international attention. Her paintings will be showcased at exhibitions at the University of New South Wales, and the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. 

Kiki (pictured right) said she has always felt a connection to the Macarthur region and is eager to paint Australia’s first Greek settlers.

“My TAFE NSW teachers have helped me harness my Greek heritage in my art and I’m now working with historian Dr Panayiotis Diamandis to understand the story of Antonios Manolis and what life was like for him in Picton so long ago.”

A tragic car accident in 2010 put Kiki’s dream of being an artist on hold, but through her recovery and her TAFE NSW teachers, she learned how to paint again. 

“I travelled to Greece while I was recovering from the accident and I fell in love with Greek history and wanted to convey the sacrifice our ancestors made for us in my art.”

Kiki studied a Diploma of Visual Arts at TAFE NSW in 2018 where her teachers helped develop her practical skills and technique. She was a finalist in the Fisher’s Ghost Art Award and her painting is exhibited at the Campbelltown Art Centre. 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Design, Lydia Kullik, said Kiki’s success was a testimony to the hard work she put in throughout her course.

“The opportunities Kiki has been able to pursue through TAFE NSW has helped relaunch her career and we are so excited to see where it takes her,” Ms Kullik said.

“TAFE NSW creative design and art courses are very well regarded in the industry because of the hands-on skills and experience the students get, including ones delivered here in Campbelltown.”  

NSW is the largest employer of the creative arts with employment in this industry expected to grow nationally between 2019 and 2024 to around 57,100.

To find out more about studying an art course at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601.  

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.