An initiative of Brisbane City Council

Artforce Brisbane
An initiative of Brisbane City Council

Karla Galakatos

Evening in the Drive-in

Wynnum Rd & Northcliffe St & Cannon Hill Shopping Centre, Murarrie QLD
When asking my family about Cannon Hill, I was met with fond recollections of the local shopping centre there which was initially called Galaxy Shopping Centre, named after the next-door drive-in theatre, Galaxy drive-in. My mother would recall working alongside my grandfather inside the shopping centre, in his small donut shop called Galaxy Donut Bar, as well as visiting the theatre drive-in before its demolition in 1997. I enjoy illustrating the past as, for me, it evokes the feeling of nostalgia whether I was able to experience it or not. As a result, this artwork is geared to people with a connection to the Galaxy name and era. I narrowed this audience even more by including retro cars and symbols that represent the ‘80s, since that is the key period my design is referencing. The donuts on the right facing side are a comic mention of my grandfather’s donut bar, whereas the left side includes cinema treats like popcorn and the classic choc tops.
Box ID: B0542 (View Map Below)
Additional Participants: Kayla Cadman and Hayley Rodgers, collaborating artists.
Produced: July 2024

GALAXY CONNECTIONS

Karla’s artwork features a nostalgic image – retro cars at the drive-in!

‘Evening in the Drive-In’ was inspired by Karla’s family connections to the Cannon Hill area: her mother worked alongside her grandfather in his small donut shop, Galaxy Donut Bar, inside the former Galaxy Shopping Centre – which is now known as the Cannon Hill Kmart Plaza. The shopping centre was named after the next-door drive-in theatre, Galaxy Drive-In! The Drive-In was constructed sometime between 1969 and 1971, and was demolished in 1997, and many local residents still have fond memories of the spot and the era.

Karla Galakatos is a young artist whose artworks often explore how nostalgia affects present perception.

Image: Galaxy Drive Inn and K Mart Cannon Hill, 1973.

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