The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Portrait study of a man working for Australian Troops drawn at 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, 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 Amau in Central 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 A
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
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 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 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 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