Exhibition Theme - Leisure

Waterloo Station

Colahan's inky blue palette creates a night-time scene that is full of emotive farewells. The ominous figure of the military policeman adds an undercurrent of menace. Is he lurking to discover servicemen shirking their duty? The large face of the clock dominates the scene and reminds everyone that time is running out. The men must depart, leaving their loved ones as they embark for war. Couples embrace, except for a solitary figure in a red dress who gazes back forlornly.

Oil on canvas 76.2 x 50.8 cm
Painted in London, 1943
Acquired under official war art scheme in 1946
Australian War Memorial
ART25699

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