Memorial launches Australia/NZ Print Portfolio with Shane Cotton

The Australian War Memorial today launched the Australia/NZ Print Portfolio project with the New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Chris Seed, and well-known New Zealand artist Shane Cotton.

The Commemorative Print Portfolio will feature work by five Australian and five New Zealand artists, who will respond creatively to the history of the First World War and its legacy for contemporary life in both countries.

The Memorial’s Director, Dr Brendan Nelson, said the project is a welcome addition to the Memorial’s First World War centenary commemorative program.

“The portfolio brings a focus back to the Anzacs, reminding us all that Australia did not go through the First World War alone, and for this reason it is a great inclusion in the Memorial’s centenary program,” Dr Nelson said.

“The Memorial has a reputation for producing high-quality projects through collaboration with community leaders. The Commemorative Print Portfolio is no different, bringing leading Australian and New Zealand artists together to create works that will strengthen the Memorial’s art collection.”

New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Mr Chris Seed, congratulated the Australian War Memorial and its Director, Dr Brendan Nelson, on this project.

“Bringing together some of the most prominent artists on both sides of the Tasman is a remarkable achievement.

“The work that results from this collaboration will be a fitting legacy as our two countries commemorate the centenary of Anzac,” said His Excellency Mr Seed.

The portfolio also aims to survey contemporary artistic approaches to commemoration as part of the transnational commemorative exchange. The commissioned artists are: Daniel Boyd, Megan Cope, Helen Johnson, Mike Parr, and Sangeeta Sandrasegar from Australia and Shane Cotton, Brett Graham, Fiona Jack, John Reynolds, and Sriwhana Spong from New Zealand

The project is in collaboration with Megalo Print Studio and Gallery. The entire portfolio will be officially launched upon completion in late 2015.

Shane Cotton is available for interviews until Cob Friday 5 December.