Across Australia, stories of sacrifice and service are inked onto the skins of former and current military personnel.
An exhibition displaying the powerful results of a photo chronicle by the Australian War Memorial shows the link between tattoos, the Defence Force and their connection.
Senior curator Stephanie Boyle stated that tattoos are a very important part of human life, but they have not been discussed.
It’s an “unofficial history” that is hidden within official military history.
The Ink in the Lines exhibition took about three years to curate and is on tour around the country.
This book includes the stories of 22 Australians, including Rob Douma (Tattoo artist and Townsville Veteran).
Mr Douma stated that a lot of tattoos he has done were for veteran’s to help them cope with trauma, grief and the loss of their mates.
“For others … it’s all about that identity and belonging.”
Despite more Australians being inked than ever, Mr Douma said there was still stigma around tattoos.
“I’ve been to Australia, where I have been stared at for my tattoos,” he stated.
There are people from every generation who still stare at me and wonder, “What the hell is he?” Are they bikies? Are they criminals?
“Bridged the Gap”
Ms Boyle said some people were surprised to find out about the War Memorial’s exhibition.
“A lot of people disapprove of tattoos … [but] once they had listened to the stories and saw the photographs and understood the background of why someone – especially an ADF veteran – might choose to get a tattoo, their mind was completely changed,” Ms Boyle said.
“It has bridged between tattooed individuals and nontattooed persons, as well as the gap that separates veterans from non-veterans.
People leave with a better understanding not only of the experience as a veteran but also about what it is like to live life as a human being.
Brian Grace stated that he felt overwhelmed by the photos of his tattoos in Townsville’s Museum of Tropical Queensland. Townsville is Australia’s biggest garrison.
There is much stress in life and suicides within the defense force. A lot of these guys are very unhappy.” [featured in the show] “Their tattoos stopped him,” he stated.
Thank you for your kindness
A large tattoo commemorating the tragic 1996 death of Black Hawk in North Queensland is affixed to Mr Grace’s leg.
“There were 18 fatalities from that and a number of the blokes from units that I’d served in were involved,” he said.
Ms Boyle explained that the exhibition explored also the effect of military service on the families.
“We’ve got one person in the exhibition who’s not a veteran — but she’s married to one and she was so thankful for the safe return of her husband from Afghanistan that she wanted to embody that by getting a tattoo,” Ms Boyle said.
She said it was not only for her but for all of the families that wait and worry for their loved ones to return home.
Ink in the Lines is on show at the Museum of Tropical Queensland until October.
