Tony Wilson

with veteran Gordon Joseph Franklin

Reflecting back through memories, this painting captures moments of war, both dark and light. Gordon is a brave man who was able to share his story from his time during the Vietnam War.

His story shows the deep impact that war and traumatic events can have on an individual. Post-traumatic stress disorder affects service men and women from all wars; by allowing their story to be told they can heal and connect the dots.

The painting takes you on a journey of healing from the present looking back. Representing the now are the hands from which you are taken on a journey reflecting back on personal moments that Gordon experienced at war. Some are more vivid than others.

Layered onto the painting are geographical locations of significance. Included in the background is the lotus which is the national flower of Vietnam. It symbolises optimism for the future, as it grows from muddy waters and blossoms into its own beauty.

Sharing stories is an important way for each of us to cope, accept and heal from traumatic experiences and events. This work for me is a reminder that we are not alone, we are in this together.

Tony Wilson

Narungga/Ngarrindjeri peoples

Tony Wilson, Dark and Light, 2019, acrylic, photographic transfers, and stenciling on canvas, 152 x 60cm, AWM2023.471.1 Photo: Chris Herzfeld

Corporal Gordon Joseph Franklin

Kokatha people

Royal Australian Corps of Signals - 103rd; 104th; 110th Signal Squadron

Gordon Franklin joined the Army in 1964 and was a member of the Royal Australian Corps of the Royal Australia Signals, which installs, maintains and operates Army communications equipment.

Gordon did two tours of duty in Vietnam, first with the 103rd and 104th Signal Squadrons between 12 December 1966 and 28 November 1967, and then with the 110th Signal Squadron between 16 April 1969 and 30 April 1970. He discharged from the Army later that year.

“…it was the first time I’d ever been outside of Australia, the first time I had really gotten involved with another culture…as an Aboriginal person, I wasn’t allowed to be involved in our culture because of the way that our people were separated in those times.”