The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Profile portrait of young man from Hula.
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 from Hula, Papua New Guinea. In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of the Australian and American tr
Portrait of a young man employed by the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU). In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activi
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 t
Seated portrait of a man drawn in Milne Bay. 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, Cu
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 Americ
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