Shark Zero Two coming home

by Peter Hanley

Dimensions:

61.5 cm x 61.5 cm

Medium:

Painting, synthetic polymer paint on canvas

Place made:

Australia

Date:

2005

Setting:

Afghanistan War (2001-2021)

Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial

The Australian Naval Sea King helicopter, call sign Shark Zero Two, coming into land on HMAS Kanimbla. On Saturday 2 April 2005 the helicopter was involved in an accident and nine members of the crew were killed.

This painting was done after the crash and the artist’s intention was to represent ‘the lost comrades of Shark Zero Two being welcomed home with open arms onto the deck of HMAS Kanimbla. Hanley painted the artwork in tribute to Squadron Leader Paul McCarthy, who was a friend of his brother. A doctor from the Royal Australian Air Force, McCarthy was one of the nine Australians killed in the crash.

About Peter Hanley
Peter was born in North Sydney, Australia. The following information is from Peter’s own website.

1993-1997 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), University of Sydney

1998-2001 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB.BS) University of Queensland
2008-2011 Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) National Art School, Sydney

Peter was represented in the following exhibitions

The National Art School 2011 Degree Show.

The National Art School 2011 Gird Show.

Archibald Prize Finalist 2009

Australian War Memorial- selected exhibition space 2006

Peter Hanley’s work is represented in private collections in Australia and overseas.

More paintings by Peter Hanley
About HMAS Kanimbla (ll)Sailors at work
Since entering World War 1 in 1914 with 16 ships, two submarines and 3800 RAN personnel (including 850 from the Royal Navy) the number of serving personnel in the Royal Australian Navy has fluctuated depending on the strategic and shifting financial environment. Over more than a century, the RAN’s and people have seen action in every ocean of the world.

Of the tens of thousands who have served, 2658 members have made the ultimate sacrifice defending Australia’s interests in warlike and peacetime operations across the globe.

Fortunately, for the vast majority who served in periods of peace or survived periods of hostilities the experience was positive.

In addition to their service in a particular category which involved specific duties, they also participated in communal duties such as coaling ship. Thus, the artworks included in this section relate to a mix of specialist and communal activities.