Eirini Alligiannis, a Greek Australian artist celebrated for her work in photography and filmmaking, is set to showcase her latest project, Art on the Wall, in Sydney. This marks her first solo exhibition in over a decade and follows the highly successful launch of her book in New York.
Known for her internationally award-winning documentary Louie (KR.ONE) Gasparro: 5POINTZ and her dedication to preserving the vibrancy of graffiti and street art, Alligiannis invites audiences to explore her artistic journey through this stunning collection.
The exhibition will debut at The Shop Gallery in Glebe on January 31, 2025.
“It feels amazing and nerve-wracking at the same time,” says Alligiannis about her return to solo exhibitions. “It’s been such a long time, and my style and work have changed so much over the years.”
Reflecting on her artistic evolution, Alligiannis notes, “My first solo show included paintings, printmaking, and a section of photography. Over the years, my focus has shifted entirely to photography. The medium has definitely changed, but the subject matter has evolved too. My work now focuses more on street art and graffiti, capturing the raw essence of urban creativity.”
The New York Launch
Earlier this year, Alligiannis launched Art on the Wall in New York, an event that exceeded her expectations. “It was amazing! Initially, it wasn’t planned to include a book signing, but it all came together when Louie Gasparro, the subject of my documentary Louie (KR.ONE) Gasparro: 5POINTZ, had an exhibition at a gallery. The gallery owner suggested I launch my book there as well. The feedback was incredible. I was nervous about how graffiti artists would react, as their work is so personal, but Louie reassured me, and the response exceeded my expectations.”
The Inspiration Behind the Book
The roots of Art on the Wall trace back to 2013, when Alligiannis was documenting the vibrant graffiti culture at 5POINTZ in Queens, New York. “Back in 2013, I shot a documentary about Louie Gasparro and the iconic graffiti mecca 5POINTZ in Queens, New York.
My roommate at the time, Ze Motion, a professional breakdance, told me the building was about to be demolished, and we decided to photograph it to preserve its memory. Those photos became the foundation for this book.”
Sadly, the iconic building was painted over just days before its demolition.
“A few days before the demolition, they painted over all the murals in white paint, effectively erasing the vibrant art that once covered the building. It was heartbreaking, but it also made me realize how important it is to document and preserve graffiti and street art.”
When asked about her favorite piece in the book, Alligiannis reflects on the image chosen for the cover. “The cover photo is my favorite. It was the first photo I took for the book with Ze Motion. He spotted this stunning piece with a green background and hands, and before I knew it, he jumped into the frame. I started shooting nonstop and caught him mid-air.”
As she prepares for her Sydney exhibition, Alligiannis is already looking toward future opportunities. “Right now, the book is available at MoMA’s PS1 bookstore in Queens, which is a huge milestone for me. I’m also hoping to take the exhibition to Miami and collaborate with the Museum of Graffiti there. I’m excited to see where these collaborations lead me. My process is very organic—I love working with other creatives and letting things evolve naturally, much like how this book came together.”
This Sydney exhibition is just the beginning for Australian audiences. “For now, the focus is on the Sydney exhibition, but I’m open to exploring opportunities in other states. Let’s see what happens!” With her book and exhibition, Alligiannis hopes to inspire audiences to see the beauty and significance of street art. “I hope this book and exhibition inspire people to see the beauty and significance of street art. It’s more than just art on walls; it’s a cultural archive, a snapshot of creativity and community.”
Event Details:
- What: Book Launch and Photography Exhibition – Art on the Wall by Eirini Alligiannis
- When: Friday, January 31, 2025, at 6:30 PM
- Where: The Shop Gallery, 112 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW 2037
- Admission: Free
- Exhibition Dates: February 1–5, 2025
- Register here
Join Eirini Alligiannis at The Shop Gallery in Glebe for an evening of art, inspiration, and storytelling. Don’t miss this chance to experience Art on the Wall and celebrate the vibrant world of street art through her lens.
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