Transition

As part of being exhibited for the inaugural Napier Waller Art Prize exhibition (2018), Rohse provided the following artist statement about his work:

"My self-portrait takes a critical view of four stages of a very challenging transition from defence to civilian life, set in an almost brutalist backdrop.

"Medically separating from a close-knit, highly-trained team, with a focus on engaging an enemy at close quarters, was always going to be hard. Trying to leave a regimented life as an infantry sergeant behind to morph into a free-spirited photographic artist came with the experience of losing identity and purpose. It was intensified by the difficulties of managing pain and injuries and not being able to perform to the physical and mental standards maintained throughout my military career.

"The empty portrait frame is symbolic of the uncertainty of the way ahead." (Craig Rohse, 2018)

'Transition' by artist and veteran Craig Rohse was judged highly commended as part of the Memorial's 2018 Napier Waller Art Prize. Presented in partnership with Thales Australia, the University of Canberra and The Road Home, the Napier Waller Art Prize aims to promote artistic excellence, the healing potential of art for military personnel, and raise a broader awareness of the impact of service on the individual. In its inaugural year, the Napier Waller Art Prize attracted over 100 entries.