The art of war

Streaming video - 2014

In The art of war, Betty Churcher brings her unique perspective to a series on Australian art inspired or provoked by our involvement in conflicts over the past century. From the First World War to the war on terror, it reveals how dramatically attitudes to war have changed, and how radically the trauma of war has changed art itself. The art of war is a personal exploration of art rather than a comprehensive K-12. With images from official war artists, soldiers on the frontline or in POW camps, civilians in concentration camps and those on the homefront, it is a story of unknown artists and famous names such as George Lambert, Nora Heysen, Wendy Sharpe and Sidney Nolan. The range and diversity of the works is remarkable, from dramatic battl...efield panoramas to pencil-on-paper sketches of individuals. Some were created to encourage patriotic sentiment; others protest a senseless loss of life. Almost all capture something of the Australian identity - our humour, courage and endurance. A Film Australia National Interest Program in association with Early Works. Produced with the support of the Australian War Memorial and in association with SBS Independent. 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. Executive Producer: Anna Grieve. Producer: John Hughes, Betty Churcher. Director: John Hughes. Writer: Betty Churcher. DOP/Cinematographer: Joel Peterson. Narrator/Presenter: Betty Churcher. Featured People: Betty Churcher. more