A recent presentation of the book “The Art of Sacrifice” at the Hawthorn Arts Center provided a glimpse into the captivating world of acclaimed artist George Petrou. Known for his poignant portraits of Australian servicemen and women, Petrou’s work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Melbourne artist George Petrou’s portraiture on the Anzacs, the Victoria Cross recipients, and other great Australians is nothing short of jaw-dropping. When he extended an invitation to his studio to see his latest work, I was thrilled for the visit. As I entered, I was immediately surrounded by oversised portraits of some of the greatest Australians in history, and I just gasped in awe and admiration. I encountered some of the most exceptional portraits I had ever seen, each one as unique as the character it depicted. Alive and nostalgic, contemporary and timeless, these great figures that adorn the artist’s studio were beaming with life, eager to tell a story, their story. And George Petrou, like a messenger, delivers their story to today’s audiences and ensures that their legacy is not forgotten. His meticulous research for each of his subjects is evident in the depth of his work, breathing life into those who have served our nation with unwavering dedication. Uncovering forgotten heroes, his brush strokes are saved for those with valorous tales, ordinary and extraordinary Australians who have adorned the annals of history with their gallantry and sacrifice.
“I’ve always had an interest in Australian history,” Petrou shares.
“Reading about the remarkable men and women who shaped our nation’s story, especially those who made sacrifices during World War I, deeply resonated with me. So I started reading a lot about personal stories, and they really sort of struck a chord with me,” the artist exclaims.
In 2010, Petrou embarked on a series of portraits, starting with the “Lost Diggers of Vignacourt” after stumbling upon a book with photographs in a Hawthorn bookstore. This endeavour led to a series of exhibitions across Australia, and after that, ‘it snowballed’ as he says. After exhibiting ‘The Lost Diggers of Vignacourt’ and ‘The Victoria Cross’, George partnered with Findex to tour the ‘Great Australian Stories’; an exhibition showcasing great known and unknown Australians and their stories, that toured metropolitan and regional cities across Australia in 2019-20. And then the pandemic hit.
For those who may recall, it has been a few years since George Petrou OAM graced our pages, notably in May 2021 upon the release of his commemorative publication ‘The Art of Sacrifice’. This substantial volume, born amidst the challenges of the COVID era, is a sacred space where history and art converge. With over 70 portraits and 63 accompanying stories, the book is divided into four distinct sections, exploring various facets of Australian wartime experiences: Lost Diggers of Vignacourt, Australian VC recipients, Great Australian Stories, and From All Walks of Life. With the aid of relatives or close acquaintances who provided the stories, he illuminates the narratives behind the images, breathing life into the faces of the forgotten, allowing their stories to resonate across generations and inviting audiences to reflect on the enduring legacy of our servicemen and women.
George’s journey as an artist is as rich and diverse as the subjects he immortalizes on canvas. His passion for capturing the essence of these unsung heroes has earned him accolades and admiration across the nation. His portfolio proudly adorns prestigious spaces, from the corridors of museums in France to the esteemed halls of Government House Canberra and military institutions throughout Australia.
Notably, Petrou’s dedication extends beyond the canvas. As a patron for TPI Victoria Inc (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Service Men and Women), he is actively exemplifying his commitment to veterans’ causes by his kind donations of the proceeds from the sales of the book. In recognition of his contributions, George Petrou was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in June 2020 for his “Services to the Visual Arts and to Veterans.”
Today, George’s remarkable artistic and life journey continues with his latest undertaking: honoring the often-overlooked Australian humanitarians.
His latest project, “The Art of Humanity,” due to be released later in the year, promises to be yet another profound exploration of Australian identity and compassion. Featuring 40 stories and portraits of humanitarian Australians – including five Australians of the Year as well as nurses and doctors who defied conventions to serve in times of war and contemporary heroes – this upcoming collection reflects Petrou’s commitment to celebrating individuals who make a significant contribution to society.
Included in the book are portraits of people with truly remarkable stories such as that of Joice NanKivell Loch, Australia’s most decorated woman and an unknown heroine. An extraordinary Australian and philhellene, Joyce Loch started as a freelance journalist, published novelist, and self-trained doctor before going on to save thousands of refugees in war-torn Europe and made Greece her home. Her daring humanitarian exploits earned her decorations from the governments of Poland, Romania, Serbia, Greece, and Britain. At her funeral in Greece in 1982, the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Oxford named her “one of the most significant women of the 20th century”.
In an age where stories of heroism often fade into oblivion, George Petrou stands as a beacon of remembrance. Through his artistry, he ensures that the valorous deeds of our nation’s heroes are etched into the collective memory of generations to come. As his canvases continue to adorn the walls of museums and institutions, George’s legacy as a custodian of our nation’s history grows ever more profound. His work serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to honor, educate, and inspire.
More on the artist and his work can be found on his website: www.georgepetrou.com.au
Also read: The story of Joice Nankivell Loch and Sydney Loch
