Troy Argyros, a young artist whose family originates from Lefkada, will exhibit at the Lefkadian Brotherhood in Melbourne for the association’s 80th anniversary on November 5.
His paintings evoke the textures of the Renaissance artists that he admires, and he presents in a contemporary context. Atmospheric and mystical, layered in shadows and light, Argyros made it his mission to employ their techniques into his body of work.
Argyros’ dream was realised when he went to Florence, a birthplace of the Renaissance, after he completed his fine arts painting degree at Monash University.
His most admired is Leonardo da Vinci “for the sensitivity in his drawing and paint application,” he tells Neos Kosmos.
“You can stare at his art for hours and still not fully understand how he did it. Pushing the medium into quite a mysterious place, which I aspire to do. Where the brushstroke is so refined and sophisticated that it almost amazes you.”
“I really wanted to learn the techniques of the old masters, which isn’t really offered here in Australia. So I started my connection to Florence by entering a summer scholarship competition.”
A circle in a spiral. Photo: Supplied
Forgotten Magic. Photo: Supplied
The Wisdom of Flowers. Photo: Supplied
The Greek Australian was one of 12 finalists from a worldwide selection chosen to attend this workshop in Florence.
“But even though the tuition was free, I still had to come up with the funds for a last minute airfare to Europe in the middle of summer, and accommodation and art materials.”
The determined young man made secured sponsors through the advocacy of curator Donald Williams. On his return, he created a painting for each of them, culminating in Fragments of Florence.
“The experience changed my life,” Argyros says. To continue his studies in Florence, he worked three jobs and started a fundraiser.
“The techniques I learned in Florence are based on drawing. Their philosophy is that good painting is good drawing. Every brushstroke you put down, is trying to improve the proportion, the gesture, the sense of life, the sense of atmosphere. It’s not just mindless spreading of colours. It is very deliberate, very careful. Every mark makes a difference.”
As a recent graduate of The Florence Academy of Art, the historic city is like a second home to the painter.
“In Florence you are surrounded by so much beauty and history. It informs your artistic choices. You feel connected to the tradition and the lineage, and that holds you to a high standard. You become the youngest sibling of a successful family with big shoes to fill. I think that makes you a better artist.”
His papou, John Argyros, who took him on that journey. He passed away just before he set out for Italy, and it was his legacy that helped fund his training at The Florence Academy of Art.
“I grew up with him. I saw him every day. I’d make him his little elliniko cafe and take it down to his bungalow. It was really a lovely ritual.”
His grandparents were a huge part of his life where he lived with them, in Chadstone with his mother Helen.
They migrated from Lefkada in the late 1950s, his grandfather from Sivros and his grandmother, Anastasia (nee Soldatos), from Aghios Ilias.
“I’ve been to Lefkada only once, in July 2018, with family friends, but it had a big impact on me. I felt my connection there instantly.The softness of the horizon made me feel like I was in a painted paradise. I remember the sound of the goats’ bells, the scent of wild herbs growing on the hills, and the freshness of the sea air.”
Eventually he says that he would love to cultivate a life where he can spend time, here and also in Italy and Greece.
Argyros is about to choose the works he will exhibit on November 5, when the Lefkadians of Melbounre will come together to mark the 80 years since the foundation of the Lefkadian Brotherhood.
There will be two portraits of Greek Australians actress Maria Mercedes and journalist Helen Kapalos. Argyros plans to show a master copy he created of Ajax and Cassandra, by Solomon J. Solomon (1896), which hangs in the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
“I did that to continue my studies during the COVID pandemic.” During lockdown Argyros created a body of work for the exhibition Awakenings presented in Melbourne in March 2021.
His Greek heritage in his art is sometimes subtle and sometimes pronounced like the “eye”, found in Greek culture as a symbol to ward off evil intentions.
“Growing up, I remember my mum would put the eye on my clothes. Especially if we were going somewhere with a lot of people. It’s a symbol of protection, a mysterious symbol that we’ve all seen.”
Apart from painting, Argyros also at Fitzroy Painting School. While he enjoys it he feels it is his duty to share his skills with others. He is also planning another stint of teaching and painting in Florence.
He wants people to attend to the Lefkadian Brotherhood – 124 Bell Street Coburg – from at 5pm on November 5.
“It’s important to see paintings in person not just on the screen or in print.” A percentage of the sale funds will go towards supporting the Lefkadian Brotherhood to continue its work into the future.
