Art & Adrenalin: Ben Quilty’s War

Ben Quilty reveals the complex and profound role of a war artist, and tells us how his perceptions shifted after Afghanistan.
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ANZAC Day is a day that meets with many meanings for the Aussies and Kiwis who celebrate it. Some see it as an opportunity for patriotism, pomp and bravado; others see it as the chance to get drunk and gamble; and some are cynical about the meaning of war, seeing soldiers as representative of politics that they do not support.

For former Afghanistan war artist and Archibald prize-winner Ben Quilty, his perceptions of ANZAC Day have changed since undertaking the Australian War Memorial artist commission under the Official War Art Scheme.

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Sarah Adams
About the Author
Sarah Adams is a media, film and television junkie. She is the former deputy editor of ArtsHub Australia and now works in digital communications - telling research stories across multiple platforms - in the higher education sector. Follow her @sezadams