The Ink in the Lines by Bob McKendry & Stephen Toaldo

Ink in the Lines explores the connection between the personal experiences of Australia’s veterans and the inked designs that help tell those stories. Throughout 2019, Australian War Memorial photographic curator Stephanie Boyle teamed up with photographer Bob McKendry and videographer Stephen Toaldo to interview Australian veterans and bring their military tattoos to life by giving insight into the stories that colour them.

The exhibition features video interviews and portrait photography documenting the experiences of Australian service men and women, and the personal meaning that is embedded in each of their tattoos. A common theme that underscores the responses of the subjects is that they use their tattoos as a means to remember, a way to never forget.

Tattoos, which can come in the form of images or words, are often used by veterans as a way to commemorate the people they want to honour as well as the events that have shaped the course of their lives, especially loss and tragedy. 

The exhibtion will be on display in the Special Exhibition Gallery of the Australian War Memorial until 27 January 2021. However, for those limited by border restrictions, the images and stories of the military tattoos can be accessed online at this link.