Recently I had the fortune to visit Newcastle Art Gallery to see an exhibition called ‘George Gittoes: on being there’.

George Gittoes is a contemporary Australian artist, photographer and filmmaker who has documented some of the world’s most serious conflicts over the last four decades. He also did a Heavy Industry Series during a Newcastle residency in 1989-90 where he explored the industrial landscape of the BHP Steelworks.

Along with another artist Martin Sharpe, George Gittoes was co-founder of the Yellow House Co-op in Kings Cross at the time of the Vietnam War. He then went on to work in places like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Rwanda, South Africa, South Chicago…heavy battle zones!…where he became known for his humanitarian efforts as well as his art.

George Gittoes does not paint pretty pictures. His work poses serious questions on what it means to be human and on humanity itself. It feels like Gittoes has become part of the culture he is commenting on. His work is political in its message and very dramatic.

The ceramic piece at the end was done in collaboration with Cameron Williams and is titled “To Cleanse The World of War 2019”. Says it all really.

This exhibition is on at The Newcastle Art Gallery from 8 February to 26th April 2020. It is well worth the visit although be prepared to be confronted!

Savor the art of George Gittoes