'The Great Game', 2011

Appliquéd textile by War Boutique, 2011.

This multi-layered textile artwork explores the complexity of the current conflict in Afghanistan through the history of British military involvement in that country. The title 'The Great Game' is taken from the term used to describe the strategic rivalry between Britain and Russia in Central Asia during the 19th century. Since this politically charged phrase is the focal point, we are encouraged to consider whether strategic or commercial factors are still relevant in the contemporary Afghan war.

The military fabrics that make up the letters come from combat uniforms worn by British soldiers on successive Afghanistan campaigns, from the stifling woollen barathea worn during the 1st Afghan War (1839-1842) to the Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) used in the current conflict. This new camouflage accurately replicates the mixed environments of Afghanistan using advanced technology. The historic changes in uniform fabric show the continual need to obscure soldiers from enemy observation.