The complex issues surrounding matters of love and sex profoundly affect people everywhere, every day. Wartime is no exception. Indeed, the disruptive nature of war and the extraordinary situations it brings about magnifies human experience in these areas.
Service personnel are sent to distant, often exotic, locales. They interact romantically with people they would never have otherwise met - however fleetingly. ‘Wartime morality’ - the fear that death may come at any time - undermines societal norms and lowers inhibitions, tempting people to pursue encounters or engage in behaviours they may not have considered in peacetime.
War kills and families mourn. The bereft must decide how they will cope - alone, or with new partners. War also traumatises, physically and psychologically. Coping with war’s aftermath tests even the most committed couples - wartime separation can easily become peacetime estrangement.
Sex itself can be weaponised - sexualised imagery has served as a persuasive recruitment tool and a way to undermine an enemy’s morale.
Through artworks, photography and personal objects, this special exhibition explores the issues of lust, love and loss in times of war.
Take a virtual tour of the exhibition
Lust Love Loss online exhibition guide
Dive deeper into the themes of Lust Love Loss and explore the story behind each artwork.
Lust Love Loss: Conversations
This three-part series produced by renowned broadcaster Megan Spencer delves deep into stories of Australian wartime relationships.
This podcast is also available on Spotify and other streaming services.
Julia and Jai
This episode follows the story of Julia and Jai Michel, who in the nine years they've known each other have spent three and a half living in the same place.
Justin and Kendal
Justin and Kendal Brown’s story began when they were just kids in the remote defence town of Woomera, but it wasn’t until years later that they became a couple.
Tanja and Mark
What started as a chance meeting on the stoop of a share house evolved into a relationship filled with letter writing, 90s mix tapes and good dose of humour between Tanja and Mark Johnston.
A Week in September Book Talk
Author Peter Rees and Doug Heywood OAM discuss the story of enduring love that was unveiled through a cache of precious World War II letters.
In the news
Soldiers away and at play, in love and war
Christopher Allen, The Weekend Australian Review, 8 October 2022
At 14, her family sheltered an Australian soldier. It changed their lives forever
Tony Wright. The Age Spectrum, 10 February 2022
Lust Love Loss at the Shrine
Inside the Gallery podcast, 22 December 2021
Lust Love Loss: Australian stories of wartime relationships
Australian Arts Review, 1 December 2021
Lust, love and loss examined in our history of war
Michael Mackenzie, Life Matters, ABC Radio National, 1 December 2021
Why This Exhibition Exploring Wartime Love And Loss Is A Must-See At The Shrine Of Remembrance
Urban List, 13 May 2022
This exhibition was supported by the Victorian Government and the Victorian Veterans Council.
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