Malaria Central

This is a composite group portrait of a patrol at Tetere, a Forward Operating Base east of Honiara. On one level the work is an exploration of youth and masculinity that also offers an endorsement of the professionalism of the ADF within RAMSI. Yet in an unsettling, layered composition, the backdrop is a foreign-owned palm oil plantation. Visible through the tree trunks, the stark reds, yellows, and whites of the flags of China, the United States, and Japan dominate the scene. These symbols of foreign powers seem to present a controlling influence over RAMSI.

Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by eX de Medici 2011