Exhibition Theme - Leisure

Moresby picture show

Donald Duck's quizzical expression establishes an interesting dialogue between the watchers and the watched. In the darkness the soldiers wearing their wet-weather gear appear transfixed by the colourful screen. Bush has chosen to capture the lighter side of service life. The day-to-day realities for a soldier in New Guinea were largely routine and boring. Distractions were necessary. This painting of servicemen watching Donald Duck at a picture show captures the lure of one of America's most popular cultural icons.

Oil on canvas on hardboard 51.4 x 40.8 cm
Painted in Port Moresby, New Guinea, 1943
Acquired under official war art scheme in 1949
Australian War Memorial
ART26770

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