Peace Within
I was recently the Artist in Residence for the Victorian Shrine of Remembrance Young Ambassadors, a group of Year 9 and 10 students from across Victoria. Over twelve months they volunteered with the Shrine, learning about commemoration, Defence service, museums and community organisations, while developing as young leaders.
Together we created Peace Within, an artwork centred on the lived experiences of servicewomen, widows and veteran children, often overlooked in war commemoration. It explored post-traumatic growth and what peace can look and feel like after war.
We reimagined elements of the Legacy Widow and Children statue and the Ex-Servicewomen’s Garden. Instead of being cold and isolated outdoors, a mother and children—cast in plaster and paper—rested together in a warm armchair, wrapped in my own quilt from Afghanistan, made by the volunteer group Aussie Hero Quilts. This contrast with the bronze statue and hard bench outside symbolised healing, softness and belonging.
Our process began with a walking tour of Melbourne to study public art, counter-monuments and commemoration. We then observed and sketched the outdoor monuments, later developing these into a collaborative linocut wallpaper during a workshop at the Australian National Veterans Art Museum. The lilac, white and green prints referenced both the Ex-Servicewomen’s Garden and suffragette colours, connecting women’s history with remembrance.
The techniques echoed our themes: casting, wrapping and binding mirrored the rebuilding of families; linocut’s cutting-away suggested letting go to grow. The quilt—my personal relic from Afghanistan—enfolded the figures as a symbol of care, community and continuity.
The project was enriched by contributions from the Defence, veteran and arts community: Mel from Aussie Hero Quilts, Kath De Bruin from Legacy, Mark and Tanja Johnston from ANVAM, Laura Carroll and artist Rosalie Ferretti. Their knowledge, stories and practical help inspired the students and grounded the work in lived experience.
Over six intense days of “art boot camp,” the Young Ambassadors worked with passion and pride. As student Mae Mao reflected:
“This project is about honouring those who serve and those left behind. My favourite part has been learning and listening to the personal stories of the artists we worked with.”
Elizabeth Tun added:
“The project is a beautiful way to reflect on living commemoration. We are endlessly grateful to have worked with an incredible artist and learnt the value of art, history and life-long learning.”
The honour was mine. Thank you Shrine of Remembrance for this unforgettable residency.
Peace Within is on display at the Shrine of Remembrance until July 2026.