This image is one of a number of artworks produced by artist Thea Costantino about the First World War. Costantino undertook extensive research, with particular interest in her own grandfather’s experience as a soldier, to reflect on the tragedies of the war and its legacy on migrant history in Australia.

Costantino's approach was to immerse herself in physical and digital archives of photographs and artifacts, which informed the drawings, photographs, sculptures, collages and performances that she exhibited in "Foreign Soil" at John Curtin Gallery in 2015. "Doughboy was created using a model wearing a wax mask that was handmade by the artist.

Together, these artworks investigate how we commemorate war, through the personal perspective of the artist’s family’s history. “Her Italian ancestry provides compelling insight into the impact of the Great War in contrast to the way Australia’s Centenary of ANZAC commemorations are negotiated. Costantino continues to develop her remarkable ability to produce work of great emotional power and lasting visual impact.” (Chris Malcolm, Director of the John Curtin Gallery, 2015)

This artwork was generously donated to the City of Joondalup by the artist in 2017.