not titled [In Milne Bay]

Place Oceania: New Guinea1, Papua New Guinea, Papua, Milne Bay
Accession Number ART96171
Collection type Art
Measurement Sheet: 30.6 x 20.1 cm
Object type Work on paper
Physical description pencil on paper
Maker Curtis, R Emerson
Place made New Guinea1: Papua New Guinea, Papua, Milne Bay
Date made c.1943
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright

Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright

Description

Seated portrait of a man drawn in Milne Bay.

In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of the Australian and American troops, Curtis took every opportunity to visit local villages, creating a series of portraits of Papuan Islanders. Several of these drawings were used to illustrate short articles Curtis contributed to the Australian magazine 'Walkabout', and provide insight into the experiences of local civilians working for Australian troops or displaced by the conflict. Generally, the articles were observations on 'native' life, including marriage, wood carving, and body adornment, however Curtis also commented on distinguishing physiological features of individuals from different tribes.

Curtis was appointed as an official war artist in March 1945, covering the civil and industrial war effort in Australia.