Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.
Originally released by Valor Studios, the legend on the bottom of “A New Dawn: Afghanistan” reads… “High in the remote mountains of Afghanistan, where once Alexander the Great defeated the Persians, America’s warriors patrol the ancient land. Far from their homes and loved ones, they risk their lives to seek and destroy an empire of terror that lurks in the shadows. Shoulder to shoulder, they bring light to the darkness. All will give Afghanistan the hope of a new dawn, but some will be called to give their last breath for a better world.”
The Story
The artwork for this print was conceived with the input of several veteran Blackhawk pilots, most notably, Bronze Star recipient and former leader of the 82nd Airborne Division’s “Cave Men” aviation company, Captain Eric Carlson. It was the stories told by these pilots that helped artist Matt Hall capture the close working relationship between the ground-pounding infantry and the rotary-wing aviators, whose teamwork is required to overcome the dramatic terrain and rugged operating conditions of Afghanistan.
Behind the Art
The Infantry
The left side of the print depicts an infantry patrol maneuvering through an isolated region in Afghanistan. Stationed in small combat outposts and forward operating bases, helicopters are often the only effective means of transportation and resupply.
The Terrain
Afghanistan’s geography ranges from desert to some of the world’s most extreme mountains. Located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, the highest peak, Noshaq, towers over 24,500 feet into the air. The mountains and varied terrain create a challenging operational environment and American soldiers are often climbing, living, and fighting at altitudes in excess of 8,000 feet above sea level.
UH-60 Blackhawk
The UH-60 Blackhawk is the US Army’s ubiquitous workhorse, found in every theater of operation, helping to bring the war to the enemy. It was first used in Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada, and for the last thirty years has been undergoing a series of modifications to maintain it as one of the world’s most advanced and reliable rotary-wing aircraft. Designed to carry eleven soldiers with all of their combat equipment, it has the capacity to carry up to twenty if necessary.
Project Details
Faithfully reproduced from the original artwork, A New Dawn by Matt Hall, depicts operations in Afghanistan. In addition to the description, the bottom margin of the print includes a tactical insignia of the American flag.
Editions
- Originally printed by Valor Studios:
- 2001 Main Editions
- 200 Artist Proofs
- 200 Giclee Editions
- Each print is hand-signed by the artist
- Each print includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Lithograph
- This limited edition lithograph is printed on acid-free, archival quality, 100 lb. stock
- Print size: approx. 31″ x 16″
- All prints are sold unframed
- Print color may vary from screen color
Purchase
Matt has a limited number of Signer’s Proofs of this print. Please contact us for availability.