December at the AWM
 Bringing Bean’s vision to lifeWe recently launched our online exhibition, Art of nation. This exhibition is a digital interpretation of the earliest plans for the Australian War Memorial and its art and photograph collection. Memorial founder Charles Bean sketched this design for the building and its grand art gallery in 1919. It showcases the historic paintings and photographs of Australia’s experiences in the First World War. These works were mostly commissioned from official war artists, who were attached to military units. Director of the Memorial Dr Brendan Nelson said of the exhibition:
Explore Bean’s original vision for the Memorial in Art of nation.   Country and cultureOn Thursday 16 November the Memorial unveiled a painting by artists from Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia. The artwork, Kulatangku angakanyini manta munu Tjukurpa [Country and culture will be protected by spears] includes text which translates as “the many men and old men hold and protect Country and culture”. Director Dr Brendan Nelson, who welcomed the 16 artists to the Memorial for the painting’s unveiling; highlighted the importance of its display in the Orientation Gallery: “This work of art reflects the importance of the earth, of our land, our common land, Aboriginal land, Australian land. More than 102,800 Australians are listed on the Roll of Honour, including First Australians. In the end, it’s about the defence of our land – Australia.” Seahawk’s last flightOver the coming days, the the Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk, affectionately named “Christine”, will be taking her final flight over the Australian War Memorial before being donated to our National Collection by the Royal Australian Navy. Read more about this acquisition in the Navy Daily.  Photo courtesy of the Department of Defence  Christmas tradingThe Memorial is open every day of the holiday season, excluding Christmas Day. Visit our website for further details. Be sure to view our events calendar or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with our range of tours and activities throughout December and January. Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas, and best wishes for the New Year. Stuck on clever Christmas gift ideas?Give a gift that won’t clutter the cupboard this year by purchasing a Friends of the Memorial membership for your nearest and dearest. Along with receiving quarterly editions of the Memorial’s Wartime magazine, members are entitled to exclusive monthly events and other benefits throughout the year.  Visit our website to select a membership pack to suit you or your loved one, or contact our Friends Coordinator on (02) 6243 4523 to find out more.  Enliven your home or office with a striking canvas printSelected from the Memorial’s vast collection, each canvas print presents a high-quality reproduction of an original wartime photograph or work of art. Order online from our shop as soon as possible to ensure arrival in time for Christmas. Each canvas is:
Please note: canvas prints are made to order. Please allow 2–3 weeks for production and delivery. |
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