| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART40374 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Sheet: 34.9 x 54.8 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | carbon pencil, black pencil, brown gouache, wash, white crayon on paper |
| Maker |
Hele, Ivor |
| Place made | Korea, Korea: Jamestown Line Area, Korea: Jamestown Line Area, Imjin River Area |
| Date made | 13 July 1952 |
| Conflict |
Korea, 1950-1953 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Swimming in the Imjin River
Description
A group of Australian soldiers swimming naked in the Imjin River, Jamestown Line Area, Korea, following a long day patrolling. The Imjin River is a major river, running through the Commonwealth sector of the Jamestown Line.
Through his mastery of form and line, Hele’s Australian soldiers and airmen are heroically depicted in expressive, mannerist drawings and paintings; the landscape is absent and the technology of war relegated to the background. Through emphasis on the human body and exaggeration of gestures the works present a harsh, masculine environment with compelling immediacy. Via tight compositions Hele’s drawings convey the essence of his subjects and invite an emotive response in the viewer.