
Marlene Gilson
Black Swamp – Lake Wendouree 2018
synthetic polymer paint on linen
76.8 x 101.7 cm
Purchased with funds from the Art Gallery of Ballarat Association, 2018
Copyright the artist; Courtesy of Marlene Gilson and Martin Browne Contemporary, Sydney
Battle of Kawanakajima
Dramatic depiction of the Battle of Kawanakajima between the forces of Takeda Shingen of Kai Province and Uesugi Kenshin of Echigo Province. At right, a samurai’s horse rears atop a slope, with fallen enemies on the ground below. The warrior looks out over the battlefield as samurai below battle with swords and spears. At left, another commander on horseback can be seen with troops massed before him. Clouds of smoke drift upwards, the night sky providing an ominous setting for the conflict. The red text cartouche at top center reads “At Kawanakajima in Shinano Province, the Takeda Forces Crossed Mount Saijo and the Ford at Ame-no-Miya and Fought Amakasu Omi no Kami of the Echigo Side. Clouds of smoke obscure the battlefield behind him against the night. A striking design, handsomely composed.