Image source: Ben Williams Photography

Guarding the Home Front is an exhibition that engages with the ideas, themes and concerns of military conflicts around the world.

The exhibition will explore the many notions of the ‘home front’: of those who remain at home, awaiting the return of loved ones and/or contributing to the war effort; the experience of civilians in conflict zones; the ways that wars and conflicts are portrayed in the media and how these shape our own perspectives; and the idea of the home front as war front – a grave reality for many people around the world.

Featured in the exhibition will be Australian artists past and present who have harnessed their personal journeys to shed light on the myriad experiences of war and conflict.

Showcasing both emerging and established artists, the unique and diverse range of Australian artists presents an intimate and unique portrayal of how war and conflict effect the home front.

Works by Tony Albert and Katy Mutton, courtesy of the Australian War Memorial

Amazing view of Phillip George’s photographs of Gallipoli

Kiersten Fishburn, Director of Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre said “The ambitious exhibition will feature some of the most exciting, emerging and established artists today”.

“With these artists harnessing their personal journeys through conflicts, this exhibition sheds a unique light on the effect of war on the communities and the people at home. This exhibition is a homage to the unsung heroes on the home front that have done so much for this country.”

Celebrated official World War I and World War II artists from the Australian War Memorial include Stella Bowen, Sybil Craig, Horace Moore-Jones and Sidney Nolan. Guarding the Home Front will also feature Baden Palinthorpe, the Australian War Memorial’s first artist in residence, and exciting new works by Tony Albert, Jodi Daley, Phillip George and Guan Wei.

As part of Liverpool City Council’s Anzac Centenary Commemoration, the exhibition will be an expression of the multifaceted experience of conflict and the front.

Commenting on the event, Liverpool City Council Mayor, Ned Mannoun said “Liverpool, home to Holsworthy Barracks, one of the largest and most important military bases in Australia, has many military communities within it.

Guarding the Home Front will play an important role in bringing a voice to these communities and their experiences.”

In what is set to be a poignant, commemorative and inclusive exhibition, Guarding the Home Front officially opened at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre on Friday,20 March and will be available until Sunday, 17 May.