| Place | Oceania: Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, Campbell |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART93391 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Framed: 113.2 x 203.2 cm; Unframed: 110.2 x 200.2 cm |
| Object type | Painting |
| Physical description | oil on canvas |
| Date made | 2008 |
| Conflict |
Period 2000-2009 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
|
Dawn Service, 2008
Description
In 2008, the Australian War Memorial commissioned artist Kristin Headlam to attend the Dawn Service on 25 April 2008 to record this solemn and respectful ceremony. This work demonstates that many generations have, and will continue to be, impacted by conflict. Although young, their is a knowing look on the young child's face in the foreground that appears to be recognition of the significance of the Dawn Service event.
The age and numberof people attending commemorative services in Australia has changed in recent years, a reflection of the importance of commemorating the First World War centenary. The First Anzac Day commemorations at the Memorial was attended in 1942 and, due to the fears of a Japanese air attack, was a small affair. In 1977 around 2,000 people attended the Memorial's Dawn Service. Crowd's continue to grow and 2015 saw a record of 128,700 people attend the Dawn Service.