Postcards

Collage, Mark-making, Layout and Composition

A POstcard with 4 individuals with stamps covering their face A postcard of a school girl and her mother as a school girlbehind her in B&W vistitors ariving are placed infront of a stamp wall, carrying bags, with the words, we are here written in hand generated type Grandparents are seated on a bench one facing the camera the other faced away, above them collaged is letters from between them written in Greek A house at the centre of the image is surrounded by archival letters and postage stamps from Australia and Greece, highlighting the family's cross-cultural connections and the changes in stamps used for communication as they moved

My postcards explore the intimate narrative of my family’s migration from Amouliani, Greece, to Wollongong, Australia, using archival materials to highlight our journey. Guided by my tutor’s advice to focus on archives and inspired by my research, I’ve honed my practice, drawing strength from the rich history they offer. By utilising photocopies, I had the flexibility to manipulate resources, giving each postcard a unique perspective while grounding the narrative in my personal experiences. Together, these collages form a cohesive set, encapsulating the essence of “We Are Here” and reflecting my family’s resilience and triumphs, inviting viewers to engage with our story and consider their own journeys of identity and belonging.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator

Anastasia Michalopoulos | 2024