As the California wildfires raged through Los Angeles, a resident, Francois Auroux, made a life-altering decision. Evacuating his Pacific Palisades home, the attorney left nearly all his belongings behind. Yet, one item he refused to part with was a silk print by renowned Greek artist Alekos Fasianos.
The dramatic moment was captured by NBC cameras and quickly went viral on social media, showing Auroux fleeing on his bicycle with the artwork in hand. Speaking later to CNN, Auroux revealed the extent of his loss. He explained that he lost all his belongings in the wildfires, managing to save only a few photographs and the painting.
This act of preservation resonated deeply, not only with art enthusiasts but also with the family of the late Alekos Fasianos, who reached out to offer their gratitude and support.
A Personal Connection to the Artist
For Auroux, the Fasianos print carried profound sentimental value. His grandfather, Albert Auroux, a dental surgeon in Paris, personally knew Fasianos. “He was his doctor, but they also saw each other often and shared a friendly relationship,” Auroux shared.
The connection extended through generations. “My mother bought this particular silk screen, ‘The Cyclist,’ from a gallery in Paris,” Auroux explained. “She loved the carefree image portrayed in the painting, which is why she chose it. The irony is that at the moment the video was shot, I was also a person on a bike trying to escape in a very different, tragic circumstance,” he added.
A Gesture of Kindness from Across the Globe
The viral video reached far beyond Los Angeles, sparking a wave of support that crossed borders. Victoria Fasianou, the artist’s daughter, and her mother, Mariza, were moved by Auroux’s efforts to save the cherished piece.
“He’s an American who owned the painting. We didn’t know who he was, but we wanted to find him to send a message of support, as he’s going through a tough time,” said Mariza Fasianou.
They were particularly touched to learn of the painting’s significance to Auroux and his family. “The painting belonged to his mother, which is why he wanted to save it. It held deep sentimental value, and amid the devastation, he chose to keep it,” Mariza added.
In a heartfelt gesture, the family announced they would send Auroux another silk print by Fasianos, titled ‘The Coffee Drinkers.’ “When he eventually moves into a new home, he’ll have something from us,” Mariza shared.
Rebuilding Amid Devastation
Auroux’s journey through the wildfire has been one of loss but also resilience. After losing everything, he launched a GoFundMe campaign to rebuild his life. The support he has received from both Los Angeles and Greece has been overwhelming.
“Some people noticed that the painting was by Alekos Fasianos and wrote to me, asking how they could help,” Auroux said. “Despite the generous gesture of the painter’s family, so many Greeks have reached out. And I understand why.”
The parallels between the fire-prone regions of California and Greece have not been lost on Auroux. “We often hear about fires in Greece, in forests, and even in cities. You’ve had so many victims, just like here in California. We share the same dry climate, with strong winds coming off the sea, and we have the same concerns. The planet is warming, and the threshold has been crossed.”
A Cherished Artwork
The Fasianos painting, ‘The Cyclist,’ now stands as more than a work of art. It symbolizes Auroux’s determination and the deep connections that art fosters across generations and continents. As he moves forward, Auroux carries with him not only a treasured piece of his family’s history but also a reminder of the global solidarity that emerged from his act of courage.
