The picture postcard is one of the most common forms of tourism media. The simple scenic postcard depicting tranquil scenes from all around New Zealand, is abundantly available and is an integral part of the circuit of communication of the tourist industry. Tourists and travelers purchase picture postcards, either as a documentary or contact medium.

If New Zealand is depicted as a sheep covered snowy mountain capped country, does The Gaza strip have postcards of military warfare, and suicide bombings? My postcard depiction of blasts and firepower happening in NZ is an attempt to bring the reality of these issues closer to us.

Williams captures the desensitized remoteness with which we view the world’s antagonisms in the media, and brings the reality home by depicting war related imagery imposed on New Zealand’s iconic postcard scenery. All of a sudden these atrocities are not able to be dismissed nonchalantly, but make us realise how it may feel to have these sorts of incidents on our own doorstep.

The role of the media and viewer are highlighted in the work of Maxine Williams. Postcards depict familiar local scenes dramatically altered by the inclusion of explosions and military vehicles, the symbols of war. We have become inured to the distant war zones we witness from our living rooms. Williams attempts to shake us out of our apathy or at least force us to confront its existence.[1]

[1] Campbell. J.  Otago Daily Times, 22nd November 2007

Note: Full set of three signed limited edition postcards available for sale, please enquire.