Sister Soldier highlights women’s perspectives of the Vietnam War (known by the Vietnamese as the American War). It centres around young army nurse Lt. Barbara Black, the only Australian servicewoman casualty of the war. The exhibition contextualises this tumultuous time through artworks, photographs, posters and poetry by Australian, Vietnamese and American women, expressing the impacts of war on themselves, their families and the environment. A short film constructed from Barbara Black’s letters, photos and slides from her tour of duty in Vietnam (1968-1969) screens alongside a display of personal items.
Join artists Mirranda Burton, Teresa Mei Chuc, Lâm Thị Mỹ Dạ, Janenne Eaton, Sonia Kretschmar, Mai Nguyễn-Long, Kelly Manning, Dorothy Marder, Jennifer McDuff, Hoa Pham, Lorraine Schneider, My Le Thi, Glen Tomasetti, Kelly Wallwork and Polly Watkins for a timely reflection on the devastating effects and intergenerational trauma of war.
👉🏻Curated by Polly Watkins and Trish Carney.
Consultant Curator
Dr Malte Wagenfeld RMIT University, Melbourne
👉🏻The exhibition runs from 17-29 November 2026.
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 4.30pm, Sunday: 10am - 3pm
Acknowledgements
This exhibition was made possible by the generosity of the contributing artists, poets and writers, Barbara Black’s daughter Emma, members of the veteran community, and family and friends.
Image: Poppy by Lullone & archival chopper image, private collection)