The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Portrait of "Gamau" drawn by the artist on Morata 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 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 of a 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 opport
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
Portrait of Digunono who worked for the Australia and New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU). He came from Moratai Island in South West Papua. In 1942, R Emerson Curtis was appointed Officer in Charg
Profile portrait of man drawn on Goodenough 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 tro
Portrait of a young man drawn on Goodenough 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 tro