THEN. NOW. ALWAYS.

A8 F-111 C

A21 F/A-18B

A30 DC-3

A84 Canberra Mk.20

A2 UH-1 Iroquois

A84 Canberra Mk.20

A3 Mirage IIIO

A77 Meteor

A94 CAC Sabre

A8 Beaufighter

A27 Hawk 127

A34 C-27J Spartan

A46 EF-18G Growler

A35 F-35A Lightning II

A30 E-7A Wedgetail

A39 KC-30A MRTT

A54 Pilatus PC-21

A57 MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System

A97 C-130J Hercules

A41 C-17A Globemaster III

A47 P-8A Poseidon

A9 AP-3C Orion

A52 de Havilland D.H.98 Mosquito

A26 Short S.25 Sunderland

A5 Westland Wapiti

A58 Supermarine Spitfire Mk. VIII

A2 Supermarine Walrus

A72 Cosolidated B-24 Liberator

Point Cook circa 1921

A24 Consolidated PBY Catalina

A46 CAC Boomerang

A66 Avro Lancaster

A1 Hawker Demon

A17 de Havilland D.H.82A Tiger Moth

A29 Curtis P-40 Kittyhawk

A68 CAC Mustang

As one of the oldest Air Forces in the world The Royal Australian Air Force has a long history through times of both war and peace. The RAAF Centenary is a time to reflect on the honour and tradition of this proud service. It is also opportune to look beyond 2021 and how the dedicated personnel adapt to ongoing challenges and maintain Australia's peace and security into the future.

Looking to the future while reflecting on a rich past is a formidable ideal to translate into a singular work of art! After discussions with the Brandnet team we progressed through several preliminary concepts involving a pilot as central figure either surrounded by historical vignettes or flying in formation with other aircraft. It did not take long to realise these could not provide the scope or versatility for 100 years of history. Even so, that image of a pilot had an iconic presence.

Having painted many traditional Aviation Art paintings, including works in the RAAF Heritage Art Awards, I have a great passion and interest in aircraft. However, that genre of painting could not adequately encompass the scope and broad appeal for this particular event. I believe the transition to a modern contemporary style of artwork is a far more pragmatic and appealing approach and strikes a balance between multiple requirements.

I have taken cues from the RAAF100 logo imagery and the phrase THEN-NOW-ALWAYS. The design is split into a triptych containing three individual canvases that reflect this transition of heritage. At the centre of the composition is a single pilot figure. This unifying element is intended to represent all the invaluable personnel who have contributed to the Air Force's fabric.

The overall narrative tracks from bottom left to top right across all three panels, starting with the origins at Point Cook (1921) and leading up to the current expansion into space (2021). Between these two points there is a pixelated grid that could be interpreted as 'building blocks' or connect to the idea of technological advance. I also view these squares as a kind of unifying tapestry, the interconnection of ideas, people and aircraft. Sepia tones give an historical context before moving across into the familiar RAAF deep blues. 'Our' pilot is looking in this direction - to the future. Each of the canvases will comprise 10 x 10 squares equating to a significant 100 within the individual panels.

I have also worked hard to include other relevant and important symbology from the RAAF crest, to roundels and an overlaying grid of Head Up Display graphics, as well as a map of Point Cook. These devices help to unify many of the elements and link the varying layers and dimensions of the work. Also in the visor is the reflection of an eagle representing the basic ideal of flight and association back to the RAAF badge.

Last but not least - the aircraft! By introducing a grid of squares this has helped to layer numerous aircraft within the composition. First and foremost are three RAAF icons from different generations F-35, F-111 and P-40 spread across the panels in a pseudo formation. These aircraft are three dimensional, elsewhere are over thirty aircraft from 100 years of service shown in plan views. While it is not necessary to have included every operational type I have aimed to include some of the most important aircraft in RAAF history as well as a few popular favourites.

My primary consideration is to hopefully create an image to honour 100 years of Air Force. I believe it is a unique design of broad appeal, encompassing many essential aspects key to the Royal Australian Air Force's heritage and persona.

Drew Harrison 2021.