For Country, For Nation: Australian War Memorial

Yhonnie Scarce

24 Sep 2016 - 31 Dec 2017

Three works by Yhonnie Scarce from her Blue Danube series have been curated into For Country: For Nation at the Australian War Memorial. The exhibition highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories of military service in times of war and peace, drawing inspiration from cultural traditions and symbols of the warrior’s discipline, knowledge, leadership, and skill.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples contributed to Australian defence forces from the Boer War to the present day. They have also worked in ancillary, industry, and other home-front activities, and their communities have been thrust into the front line of theatres of war. This exhibition will highlight these stories and explore themes of remembrance and tradition through family histories, objects, art, and photographs.

A work from Scarce’s Blue Danube series was recently acquired by the Australian War Memorial for its permanent collection.