With the outbreak of World War II and a frail economy, a legacy of the Spanish Civil War, it is derisory to collect in Spain the family revenues from Chile: the Spanish currency is largely devaluated. Alejo with his mother and brother depart Europe for Argentina. They arrive in Buenos Aires, a true harbor of peace and abundance.
Juan Antonio Grau by Alejo
Thereafter they travel to Santiago Chile where they decide to extend their stay for two years. Alejo paints portraits, becomes well known and in November of 1943 exposes at the National Salon at the Alhambra Palace.
In 1944, back in Argentina, the young painter establishes a reputation and receives many commissions. He keeps company with many artists and meets his future wife, Tilda Thamar, an Argentinian movie star. These are happy times, filled with optimism.
Other commissions continue to roll in and Alejo begins describing himself as a portraitist.
