Around 200 attendees gathered this weekend for the private viewing of Cypriot-born Australian graphic designer George Petrou’s latest series of portraits, featuring 40 men and women who have demonstrated a commitment to others.
The portraits focus on individuals linked to the First World War and its aftermath, alongside five Australians of the Year, highlighting their enduring humanitarian contributions.
Petrou’s vivid artistic style, familiar from his previous work The Art of Sacrifice, is prominently featured in these new works.
The portraits are also part of Petrou’s latest book, The Art of Humanity, a lavish 400+ page publication that includes historical and biographical articles on each subject.
Photographs by Grace Petrou and text editing by Christine Ballis complement the work. The book, with a foreword by His Excellency General David Hurley, AC DSC (Retired), delves deeply into these remarkable individuals’ lives and achievements.
At the event, several author contributors were present, including Dr Harry Ballis, Arlene Bennett, Michael Lawriwsky, George Ballas OAM, and Jim Claven OAM who wrote articles on various historical figures.
Dr Ballis also shared his ongoing research on Joice and Sydney Loch, who helped resettle refugees after the First World War.
The invitation-only event, created by Petrou as a thank-you to supporters and contributors, also included notable figures such as Nick Mylonas, Tony Roussos and Vicki Kyritsis, long-time supporters of Petrou’s work.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt address by Petrou, expressing his gratitude for the support of contributors, his family, and the veteran community. His speech was warmly received by the attendees.
The Art of Humanity will be formally launched later this year.
