KRISTIN HARDIMAN
The Casualties
Oil on Canvas
92 x 92cm
My painting depicts a WW1 medic carrying a fallen soldier to safety. Alive or dead is insignificant at this time because the medic’s job was to evacuate the wounded and the dead from the danger zone. They were trained to stop bleeding, apply bandages, sprinkle sulphur powder on the wounds and administer morphine.
This medic’s striking face is a vivid reminder of the tragedy of war. His expression is a mixture of sadness, resilience, trauma, compassion, loyalty and strength. His eyes have that unfocused detached but intense quality as though he is mentally trying to escape the horrors that surround him.
Both of the men depicted in this painting are casualties of war.
