The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Seated portrait of a woman with a flower in her hair.
In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of the Australian and American troops, Curtis took every opportunity to visit local villages, creating a series of portraits of Papuan Islanders. Several of these drawings were used to illustrate short articles Curtis contributed to the Australian magazine 'Walkabout', and provide insight into the experiences of local civilians working for Australian troops or displaced by the conflict. Generally, the articles were observations on 'native' life, including marriage, wood carving, and body adornment, however Curtis also commented on distinguishing physiological features of individuals from different tribes.
Curtis was appointed as an official war artist in March 1945, covering the civil and industrial war effort in Australia.
Portrait of a young man eating a banana. In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of the Australian and American troops, Curtis
Portrait of a man from Trobriand Island. In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of the Australian and American troops, Curtis
Half length portrait of a young boy, with separate study of his face in profile. In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of th
Seated portrait of a smiling young boy, with landscape and vegetation in the background. In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activiti
Portrait of a young man. In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of the Australian and American troops, Curtis took every oppo
Portrait of a twelve year old boy. In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of the Australian and American troops, Curtis took