Peter Churcher, Official Artist: The War Against Terrorism

Special Exhibition

17 June 2002 to 27 October 2002 

• Introduction
• Exhibition
• Paintings
• Afghanistan
• Peter Churcher

Peter Churcher was selected by the Australian War Memorial to record his impressions of the Australian involvement in the coalition war against terrorism. The Memorial is very pleased to present an exhibition of the work he completed during his commission.

Peter spent time with the Royal Australian Navy in the Persian Gulf and the Royal Australian Air Force on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. His responses to the people, events and environments have resulted in an impressive body of work. The technological and mechanical aspects of modern warfare are captured in his works, as well as the human.

Peter was chosen for the diversity, range and directness of his painting. His appointment continues a long established tradition which began during the First World War, and continued through the Second World War and conflicts in Korea, Vietnam and East Timor. Peter's work provides a valuable and unique insight into the role of Australia's forces in this very important commitment.

The Australian War Memorial is very grateful for the support it received for this project from the Australian Defence Force; it would not have been possible without the wholehearted support of the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Finally, I would like to thank Peter Churcher for his enthusiasm in undertaking this commission and producing works of great interest and quality. My thanks also go to those staff at the Memorial who managed the project and to the Art Section staff who curated the exhibition.

Steve Gower
Director, Australian War Memorial