A powerful photographic exhibition will showcase heroic tales and meaningful tattoos of Australian military personnel at Newcastle Museum.
Curated by the Australian War Memorial, Ink in the Lines features stories of service life and sacrifice inked on the skin of 22 veterans from throughout the nation.
“This display demonstrates our commitment to providing quality exhibits that appeal to a wide range of audiences and offer insight into a diverse range of subjects that help us understand our history and identity,” City of Newcastle director of museum, archive, libraries and learning Julie Baird said.
“Tattoo art is an incredibly popular form of self-expression and creativity, which often has deeply personal and meaningful motivation.
“We’re honoured to be able to explore the stories behind these tattoos in this incredible exhibition, which is sure to attract visitors interested in the tattoos themselves as well as those with a more personal connection to the armed forces.”
Australian War Memorial senior curator Stephanie Boyle said she hoped the touring exhibition resonated with local audiences with the region’s strong military heritage.
“Behind every tattoo is a story,” she stated.
“Ink in the Lines does what no other exhibition in Australia has done – it shares stories of Australia’s military veterans through their tattoos.
“Personal stories are the cornerstone of the exhibit.
“Every veteran who participated in the commission volunteered to share their experiences and motivation for getting inked.
“Some stories are painful, others inspiring, all are deeply personal.
“Through powerful images and stories, the exhibition provides an engaging and interactive platform for the examination and understanding of contemporary tattooing in today’s Defence Forces, set within the context of the broader history of tattooing in Australian military forces.”
Audio interviews played on screens within the exhibit help capture the raw emotion of each participant as they explain why they chose to commemorate and honour their service, or the service of loved ones, through the medium of tattooing.
Councillor Carol Duncan said the exhibition evoked powerful emotions and provided a unique insight into the lived experience of Australia’s service personnel and their families.
“One can’t help but walk away from this display with a renewed respect for what it’s like to be a veteran, and the personal toll it takes to serve Australia in the military,” she added.
“This is a very special exhibition to have here in Newcastle especially with upcoming Anzac Day commemorations.
“I encourage all Novocastrians to view this powerful free exhibit at the museum.”
Ink in the Lines is on exhibition until Sunday 4 June.
Newcastle Museum opens from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and seven days during the school holidays.
Visit the Newcastle Museum website for more information.
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