ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how Art of Nation was shaped by archival research that determined the digital methodologies used and guided the curatorial approach and exhibition design. Art of Nation is accessed on the Australian War Memorial's (AWM’s) website. The AWM’s website contains contextual historical information and instructions on how to use video-game-style keyboard and mouse controls. Clicking the link ‘View Art of Nation’ opens a full-screen, immersive three-dimensional (3D) environment. The AWM partnered with Brisbane-based Ortelia Interactive Spaces to create 3D, navigable digital interpretation of Charles Bean’s proposal. In Art of Nation, the building, and the artworks displayed, is presented as close as can be ascertained to how Bean and others in his circle intended around 1919. Art of Nation positions the mosaic as a floor, prominently located in the foyer of the building. Art of Nation was conceived of as a showcase of Australia’s First World War official war art scheme that would have lasting value on the AWM website.
