About the Artwork – The Dust of Uruzgan
Painted on ANZAC Day 2023, The Dust of Uruzgan is my tribute to the courage, service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women who served in Afghanistan, and to the families and loved ones who carry their memories.
Australia's involvement in Afghanistan began in 2001, with Australian Special Air Service troops among the first deployed. Over the following two decades, Australian personnel served through operations including Operation Slipper and Operation Highroad, facing the dangers and hardships of a complex and difficult conflict.
Forty-one Australian service personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan, with many more returning home carrying physical and emotional wounds.
The artwork takes its name from The Dust of Uruzgan, a song by Australian diplomat and singer-songwriter Fred Smith, who served in Uruzgan Province. His moving account of Australian soldiers and the loss of Private Benjamin Ranaudo captures the human cost of war and the bonds formed between those who served.
The red poppy honours fallen servicemen and women, while the purple poppy remembers the animals who served alongside them.
Through this painting, I honour those who served, those who never returned, and those whose lives were forever changed by the Afghanistan conflict.
Lest We Forget.
Features:
- Double Stitched Seam
- Overlocked on top and bottom for a premium finish
- Full colour sublimation printed
- Premium 5mm rubber with a base
- Made out of premium wetsuit rubber
- Highest quality coolers possible
- Made in Australia
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