Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war — artist's signature Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war — edge view
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Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war
Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war
Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war
Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war — artist's signature
Book covers about ANZAC and Australia at war — edge view
Painting by Ben Tankard 735 Artworks Sold

Bookstore 22

Acrylic, Canvas, Ready to hang

76cm (W) x 101cm (H) x 3cm (D)

Certificate of Authenticity Included
A$2,400

Artwork Description

This painting was a finalist in the 2026 Gallipoli Art Prize. A composition of books relating to Australia at war, at home and abroad.

I’ve been painting this Bookstore series for several years now. For the Gallipoli Art Prize, I’ve painted a selection of books that relate to Australian military campaigns, to Australians such as Nancy Wake who fought against fascism, and to the home front in war time. I enjoy the challenge of incorporating different styles and techniques within the one picture, and arranging the composition. Hopefully the choice of books here can stand as a tribute to the men and women who have lived through challenging times in the past, and defended freedom.

The painting is on a stretched canvas, with the sides painted black. The painting has a satin varnish and is ready to hang, without needing to be framed.

Artist Bio
Photo of Ben Tankard
Ben Tankard 736 artworks | 563 Sold

Painter from the Blue Mountains. I've had paintings in the Sulman Prize 2012‚ Mosman Prize 2012‚ Calleen Art Prize 2013‚ Gallipoli Art Prize 2014 & 2016, Gosford Art Prize 2018 & 2018, the ANL Maritime Art Prize 2018 and the 2019 Hawkesbury Art Prize (winner). In the last nine years I've had a lot of success with abstract paintings, drawing inspiration from the covers of 'Popular Penguin' paperback books, from the classic Monopoly board, Uno cards, and other pop culture icons. The paintings are distorted representations of the subject matter, transformed with thick brushstrokes and often random lettering, retaining the essence of the original but also becoming something new. I have had sell out shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. My art has been featured in Art Edit magazine, The Grand Designs Australia Sourcebook and the Financial Review. PLEASE NOTE - commissions now closed for 2024. Thank you!