Contact scans

Place Asia: Vietnam
Accession Number ART96177
Collection type Art
Measurement Overall: 165 x 245 x 15 cm (two parts)
Object type Sculpture
Physical description Photographic light boxes
Maker Gladwell, Shaun
Place made Australia
Date made 2009
Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975
Copyright

Item copyright: Unlicensed copyright

Description

This diptych is a commemorative work of art that explores the legacy of the Vietnam war on Shaun Gladwell's father, Mark Gladwell. It consists of two photographic light boxes titled "Contact Left" and "Contact Right." Mark Gladwell was a private in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and served from 1967 to 1969. He was injured in combat during his second tour of Vietnam and was invalided out of the army.

"Contact Scans" depicts several fading tattoos on the forearms and hands of Mark Gladwell, which relate to his service. The images were created using a high definition desktop scanner. The artist always viewed his father's tattoos as symbolic of his Vietnam experiences. This work evokes the sense that the Vietnam War and the processes of soldiering continue to be experienced and referenced through Veteran's minds and bodies long after military service.

Related information