Costa Georgiadis Portrait Unveiled at National Portrait Gallery
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Costa Georgiadis has been honoured with a portrait in the National Portrait Gallery (NPG). The portrait, painted by Rob McHaffie, depicts Georgiadis surrounded by Australian flora and fauna, including Queensland bottle trees, banksias, kangaroo paws, an olive tree (representing his Greek heritage), and a Peron’s tree frog from his garden.
The NPG chose Georgiadis based on public voting, recognizing his enthusiasm, positivity, passion for nature, ability to connect with people, and environmental advocacy.
Georgiadis expressed his humility and excitement about being included in the gallery, noting the artistic process is similar to gardening – requiring patience and creativity. He also felt reassured knowing McHaffie, a fellow fan of his show Gardening Australia, was the artist.
McHaffie shared his personal connection to Georgiadis, recalling watching Gardening Australia with his father and enjoying conversations with Georgiadis during the portrait process.