An eclectic mix of the community, including RSL officials, have been invited to Jill Darville’s opening night next Friday because she feels all facets of society will be able to empathise with the theme.

“It’s about trauma and connection. It can be people who are in the police force, soldiers or people who have been in a car accident, abuse survivors, anyone who’s been in anything which has been extreme – this is a story of that,” she said.

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The Australian War Memorial lists a variety of ways animals have been utilised in war such as horses, camels, mules and donkeys to transport soldiers and equipment; carrier pigeons and tracker dogs with special talents; plus others used as pets or as symbols on badges and flags.

Darville, who was selected for a 12-month residency at Wollongong Art Gallery in 2017, is also a child abuse survivor and calls her own pets as “comrades in arms” who have helped her in recovery.

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“I feel a lot of empathy. It feels like a lot of trauma that maybe returned soldiers have had I feel in my own life … everybody has their own story,” Darville said.

The artist predominantly features dogs with military figures in her layered paintings and photographs though said the images are subtle for even children to enjoy.

“My thing is recognising that sacrifice animals have had, the innocence as a metaphor for soldiers who have died and my own life with trauma as well,” she said.

The artist has exhibited on a large scale previously but said she felt the open studio space at the gallery allowed her to push her creativity to full potential while also learning more about her self.

Against the wrackful siege of battering days opens at Wollongong Art Gallery Friday, August 4.

The exhibition runs until October 22.

For more information visit: www.wollongongartgallery.com 

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