The Art Of Sacrifice is the haunting and poignant product born of a transformative period in renowned Melbourne artist, George Petrou’s life. 

The book tells George’s personal story – of his commitment to honouring the service of many of Australia’s service personnel, of how this commitment helped him personally through the challenges of chemotherapy, and how his work has touched thousands across Australia.

Over 70 portraits, 63 stories, 425 pages and numerous serendipitous moments, George explores the idea of valour, of courage, bravery, and of sacrifice. Using images of the past and stories of today, he connects the past with our present within a unique and powerful environment. This resulting creative act, an adaptive response to the challenging environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We are introduced to a series of portraits, The Lost Diggers Of Vignacourt, of which George depicted from a collection of century old photographs captured by Louis Thuillier and his wife Antoinette. A tantalising juxtaposition to the evocative human suffering generally captured of World War I, these photographs showcase the larrikin in the young Aussie diggers. Their stories are explored in perfect prose alongside George’s work, by their very own sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, great nephews and nieces, book authors and other interested organisations connected to each portrait. 

You’ll notice that all of the Lost Digger works in this collection are painted with the same six colour tones, an artistic license held close for future creations. Colours chosen carefully illustrate various feelings and emotions such as conflict and sacrifice – the true colours of war to artist George. 

A series of portraits depicting recipients of Australia’s highest award for acts of bravery in wartime, The Victoria Cross, is illustrated next. Stories brought to life to celebrate the spirit of our country. George encapsulates Australia’s very first VC recipient Sir Neville Reginald Howse, a man who showed incredible bravery during his service. We’re introduced to Australia’s greatest frontline soldier Captain Albert Jacka, now immortalised, amongst numerous other regular Australians who similarly embarked on incredible journeys. Ordinary people who displayed mateship, resilience and a devotion to duty. 

George explores his collection of Great Australian Stories where icons like Charles Kingsford Smith, Nancy Wake, Banjo Paterson and Sir Hubert Wilkins feature. He captures their self-reliance, their essence and their steel – in every work of art, a piece of the artist recognisable. And finally a sundry of work, still with a military and sacrificial tone. Australians from all walks of life who have served our great nation with gallantry and sacrifice. 

Creativity is a force inside every person that, when unleashed, transforms lives and delivers vitality to everything we do. The Art Of Sacrifice shares stories of inspirational and courageous Australians. Of strength and of encouraging resilience. It explores humanity within exceptional moments in time, captured by flawless words and careful brushwork.

This is a book supported by almost as many decorated connections as it hosts. We’re initially introduced to the idea of sacrifice by our current Governor General, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC and her excellency Mrs Linda Hurley. General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC also authors the foreword. It also surely comes as no surprise that in June 2020, George himself was awarded an OAM for “Services to the Visual Arts and to Veterans”.

The Art Of Sacrifice is priced at $70, with limited edition packs and special collectors editions also now available. All profits from the sale of this book go directly to supporting veteran charities.