Looking back: Australians on Crete
Works of art by Michael Winters
In May 1941 Australian, New Zealand and British troops were involved in ten days of desperate fighting against German forces on the strategically important island of Crete.
Michael Winters, a Canberra-based contemporary artist, has created a series of works that offer a retrospective interpretation of the Australian experience of war on Crete. Drawing on figures from Greek mythology and the turbulent history of Crete, his prints, drawings and paintings refer to the impact of the battles, the personal experiences of the soldiers that served there, and the strength of the relationships between the soldiers and the people of Crete from the time of the battles to the present day.
Winters is an internationally recognised draftsman, painter and printmaker. His long-standing relationship with both Greek culture and the people of Crete has heavily influenced his life and work. Winters has a passion for the myths and legends of ancient Crete and incorporates symbolism from the rich history of the island into his art. It was while living on the island in 1984 that Winters was first inspired to produce a body of work that would reflect Australia’s role in the campaign. He began work on this series in 1990 when he returned to live on the island just before the 50th anniversary of the battles.
Michael Winters
Crete, morning light, Suda Bay
pencil, coloured pencil on card
drawn in Crete in 1991
81 x 101 cm
OL00475.060
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