Painting - Oil & gesso on canvas, VC, Unknown soldier - Minh Dam Secret Zone, Vietnam, 1970

Artists statement

"They always looked like kids, about 14-16 years old, very slight build, short, smooth-skinned. Very good soldiers though. We always thought if we could join forces, we'd finish the war quick smart."

Historical information

This series of paintings was created by Robert E D'Arcy, who served as a Corporal in 8RAR in 1969-1970.The images are from colour photographs taken by the artist, each being an interpretation of the snapshot. The photographic image has been simplified with a flattened perspective to give the impression of a 1970s style poster. The olive green signifies the colour of the jungle and the uniforms worn by troops, with the dark shades providing an atmosphere reminiscent of old photographs and their negatives. The paintings in "Snapshots from the Front" depict remembered images that endure in the minds of Vietnam veterans.

Physical description

Image mostly dark khaki with black to the right and left at the bottom. Abstracted image is depicted in white splashes and streaks.

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