Australian Soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Simon Gende is a contemporary artist from Papua New Guinea (PNG) whose practice focuses on international events and the social and political issues that frame them. His interest in Australia is driven by the relationship he feels exists between PNG and Australia that has been forged by wartime. He commented: “Australian soldiers and PNG soldiers always fight together in World War 2 and in Bougainville and plenty other places. Australian soldiers are good friends for PNG so I get sad when I hear they are killed in Afghanistan. They do a good job keeping Australia and PNG safe.”

This commemorative painting depicts ten Australian soldiers performing a myriad of operational activities punctuated by big red flowers. Gende's paintings provide a contemporary perspective on how Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan is seen by our neighbouring country. His painting 'Plane crash into the Twin Towers' (ART96124) on September 11 2001 examines the origins of the conflict while this work 'Australian Soldiers killed in Afghanistan' (ART96125) commemorates the Australian loss of life. Collectively both provide a strong counterpoint to the Memorial’s representation of contemporary conflicts from an Australian perspective. They offer a unique insight into how the Australian Defence Force is seen through the international lens of our neighbouring country and previous ally Papua New Guinea.