MINEFIELDS
MINEFIELDS -
An EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS and PHOTOGRAPHY
By GEORGE GITTOES
29 March to 13 April , 2000 .
Sir Hermann Black Gallery , Sydney University .
This exhibition presents a selection of images from Gittoes’ observations of mine atrocities experienced in Somalia, Cambodia, Mozambique, the Middle, Sinai, Bosnia Pakistan, Afghanistan and Thailand .
In photography, drawing and painting, George Gittoes brings to us intimate compassionate portraits of the assault of landmines on civilian populations, where the poor and the young are often the worst affected.
Gittoes first experienced the negative impact of landmines on a civilian population in Nicaragua in 1987. In 1993 he produced a major body of work relating to mine victims in Somalia and Cambodia and continued this work in such places as the Middle East and Bosnia, without outside assistance, until 1999.
In 1999 he was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australian Network of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, to travel to the mine affected areas of Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan and Afghanistan to further this work.
This exhibition and catalogue features the recent work resulting from the 1999 fieldtrips, together with a selection of works from the previous 6 years.
Gittoes in 1999 was able to re visit many of the mine victims he first drew and painted in 1993. Such characters as Ta Brung of the ‘Legless Bike’, and the girl beggar Lot
( Cambodia ) have, through their strength and courage, become symbols of hope. We see them 6 years on, triumphing over their severe disabilities.
In the scrawling diary-like texts which Gittoes adds to his drawings, the artist takes us into the stories of the people with limbs and lives destroyed. His powerful images take us on a close up walk through the most infamous of the world’s minefields.
The Artist - George Gittoes , was in 1997 , awarded an Order of Australia , AM , for his contribution to the arts and international relations . He is proud to be an ongoing contributor to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.Location photos available.
Further Enquiries : Exhibition Curator : 02.9523.1971 ( all hours ) Gallery Director, Nick Vickers –9563.6053 ( Gallery Hours ).
To be Officially Opened 28th March 6-8pm, by Ms Ali Gillies, Assist. Director, AusAid. PRESS PREVIEW –from 10am Tues 28th March, or by appointment with Gallery Director or Curator .
The Gallery – is open free to the public . Hours : Tues –Sat, 10-4 pm,
It is situated on Level 5, of the Wentworth Building , Sydney University, foyer entrance in Butlin Ave ( off City Road, opp traffic lights at main gates to the University).
Opening : The exhibition will be officially opened , Tues 28th March , 6-8pm , by Ms Ali Gillies, Assistant Director General, AusAid.
Background Information : Landmine Action in Australia .
The Australian Network of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines works with its counterparts in other countries to assist public education on the landmine issue, to lobby governments to support the total ban on the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of antipersonnel landmines – at national and international levels, advocates for greater protection of and assistance for affected people, and supports mine clearance programs. It is strongly supported by the Sisters of Mercy , the Jesuit and Mercy Refugee Services and all the major Australian humanitarian and development organizations and community groups. One of the Network’s current priorities is action in the Asian region, through working groups and monitoring implementation of the Ottawa Convention.
( Further information : Patricia Pak Poy RSM, National Co Ordinator –Tel : 08-8210.8172 and John Scott Murphy – Tel : 9956. 5799 johnsm-at-caritas-org-au
The Australian Government signed the ‘Ottawa’ convention, in 1999, banning antipersonnel landmines .Australia was one of the first countries to ban landmines, and in 1999 exploded all existing stockpiles of these inhumane and non discriminating weapons. Australia and the International Campaign are now working to bring about a worldwide ban on landmines .
The Australian Government will allocate at least $100 million for mine action programs by 2005 , and is now contributing substantially to global mine clearance and victim assistance. In addition there are many humanitarian organizations working in the field initiating mine victim rehabilitation and de mining programs.
Destroy A Minefield Week - Has been an initiative of the Australian Government, to focus public attention on the crisis of landmines.
The Destroy A Minefield Scheme, managed by AUSTCARE, offers an invitation to the Australian public to become involved by becoming sponsors – every two dollars raised will be matched by one dollar from the Government to help clear a specific minefield in Cambodia.
Further Information : Fiona Douglas, AusAid –Tel : 02.6206.4960
Websites : Landmines - www.austcare.org.au , www.ausaid.gov.au/landmines ,www.icbl.org/resources
Homepage of George Gittoes: www.gittoes.com
