Bomber crash

In 1941 the Lockheed bomber in which Frank Hinder was undertaking an aerial reconnaissance mission crashed in Rabaul. His subsequent painting of this event, Bomber crash, is a synthesis of the exotic environment in Rabaul, the terrifying plane crash, and the artist’s strong philosophical beliefs.
Using an arrangement of futurist-inspired curvilinear forms, the artist re-creates the explosions, flames, and dark plumes which engulfed the crashed plane. Hinder wrote of this experience:
Corporal clutching at seat with eyes popping – me the same way – plane swung straight and crashed … lot of noise and racket, tried to protect head and face waiting for next bump and crash. Came to rest and flames shot up all round … Before door opened wondered what it would be like to be incinerated.