Accession Code:wu0897 Title:Kent State Date completed:1970 Classification:Print Medium:Screenprint Height (mm): 67cm (image size) Width (mm): 87cm Depth (mm): Inscription: signed and numbered Location Name: Faculty of Arts Building Location Description: Location Floor: 4

 

Hamilton has frequently used his art to comment upon contemporary political and social issues. This screenprint is one of the most powerful of these works and typically makes use of an appropriated image from the mass media.

'Kent State’ is based on a photograph Hamilton took of a television screen showing a news item about what became known as the ‘Kent State massacre’. It shows the blurred image of one of the students injured when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a demonstration at the University. Students had organised a series of protests against America’s escalation of the Vietnam War which occurred when America invaded Cambodia in 1970.

'Kent State' was published by Edition Müncher International, Dorothea Leonhart München. Printed by Dietz Offizin.

For image and more information see Sydney University Museum pdf Link opens in a new window