Recovering the Past

This unique photographic exhibition unites two distinct groups of men separated by a century, connected by conflict and the art of photo montage. The first group comprises the men of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) who battled in Flanders during the Great War’s most harrowing encounters. The second group consists of Belgian men engaged in ongoing bomb disposal efforts on those same former battlefields today.

Drawing inspiration from Australian cultural and artistic figures like photographer Frank Hurley and artist Will Longstaff, artist Ian Alderman embarks on a philosophical journey exploring the enduring repercussions of human conflict—legacies that persist long after the cessation of gunfire.

Images are accompanied by poignant quotes sourced from Australia’s Archives, laying bare the plight of Australia’s war widows, grieving mothers and traumatised returning soldiers.