Artspace exhibits war artists journey through Afghanistan

View the first ever video works by an official Australian war artist with the exhibition opening of Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan, this Friday evening at Artspace Mackay.

Shaun Gladwell, an acclaimed video artist, was commissioned by The Australian War Memorial to travel with the Australian Defence Force throughout Afghanistan.

Artspace Mackay Director, Anna Thurgood said the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to view the war in Afghanistan through an artist’s eyes.

“Gladwell captures and interprets the experiences of Australian servicemen and women through video, paintings and photographs”, Miss Thurgood said.

“His latest work focuses on the bodies and movement of everyday soldiers and the way they are trained to observe and quickly respond to foreign environments”, she said.

“The artworks explore concepts of soldier’s inner world and the rituals that shape them”.

War artists have been commissioned to travel to conflict zones since the First World War and Gladwell’s use of the video medium is the first in the history of the scheme.

The internationally renowned video artist represented Australia at the 2007 Venice Biennale, and his signature works explore the movement and style related to various sub-cultural groups such as skateboarders and breakdancers.

Also showing in the Foyer Gallery from August 31 will be Fiona Foley: Flotsam and Jetsam exhibition.

As an extension to Foley’s public art installations along Bluewater Quay, visitors to the gallery will enjoy her latest works, gouaches detailing flotsam and jetsam found on beaches in coastal regions.

Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan and Fiona Foley: Flotsam and Jetsam will open at Artspace Mackay at 6pm this Friday, August 31.

The public is also invited to attend a free floor talk conducted by Australian War Memorial Curator, Warwick Heywood, at the gallery at 11am on Saturday, September 1.

To RSVP for Friday’s gallery opening or to find out more information on upcoming exhibitions please contact 4961 9722 or visit Artspace Mackay website