Nora Heysen

Extract from Nora Heysen by Lou Klepac, published by Beagle Press in 1989. The extract briefly describes Heysen's experiences as a war artist in New Guinea, and shows her painting titled 'Minnie Goldstein working in the Blood Bank, Alexishafen, 1944'.

In October 1943, Heysen was appointed the first woman official war artist. Initially employed to paint studio portraits of women officers, she later travelled to New Guinea and painted many of the nurses serving there. She was interested in portraying the lighter side of war, and this drew some criticism from the director of the Australian War Art Scheme.

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