A unique contemporary art exhibition depicting stories of war “through the eyes of children” is on display at the Western Australian Museum – Albany.
WA Museum Regional Manager, Rachael Wilsher-Saa, said the exhibition Tinker Tailor Soldier is unlike other war exhibitions as it is expressed through the childhood memories of two Australian artists whose fathers were profoundly affected by war.
“Trish Ware and Bo Laidler are the creators of the exhibition.
“Through their childhood recollections they have created thought provoking artworks which reflect the profound impact World War II had on their fathers, their childhood and the world around them,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.
The exhibition is named after an old rhyme or counting game played by girls to foretell their future and who they would marry; marrying a soldier was considered to be lucky. Through their respective pieces, both artists have made personal responses on the bearing of war, disproving the benefits claimed in this innocent rhyme.
“War was rarely spoken about when I was a child, but it loomed large in our lives,” Ms Laidler said.
“This led me to finding ways of concentrating on ideas of compression and concealment in my work and the use of symbolism. The bird, for example, stands for the symbol of regeneration and peace amidst conflict.”
Trish Ware said her exhibition pieces are based on her father’s time as a prisoner of war in Changi, on the Burma Thai Railway and in the Japanese coalmines at the end of the Second World War.
“Unlike Gallipoli, this story is not well known and I felt compelled to make this work as a tribute to the memory of my father and his comrades,” Ms Ware said.
Through the use of mixed media the exhibition compels viewers to reflect on the pervasive impact of war and its dire consequences on those who served and on their loved ones.
Tinker Tailor Soldier is on display at the WA Museum – Albany from 10 March until 29 April, 2012 and is entry by donation.
NB: Artists, Trish Ware and Bo Laidler, are available for interview
Media contact: Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum
T. 9212 3856 M. 0424 027 646 flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au
