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Helmand:Faces of conflictNational War Museum Scotland,Edinburgh Castle27 February 2009–February 2010Anew exhibition at the National War Museum offers apenetrating insight into a modern conflict. Helmand:Faces of Conflict features photographs by Robert Wilson,war artist with Edinburgh’s 52 Infantry Brigade during theirtime in Helmand province.From faces of weary men returning from three weeks onpatrol to the dusty landscape of their surroundings, Wilsoncaptures the lives of soldiers and civilians with an unflinchingsense of intimacy. His photographs are strikingly differentfrom classic images of warfare, putting a human face on theservicemen and women risking their lives on a daily basis.The Brigade, which has its regional headquarters inEdinburgh, wanted a lasting record of its experience in thetroubled southern Afghan province. The worlds of commercialadvertising and modern warfare are poles apart, soit was a surprise to Robert Wilson when he was approachedby the Brigade. In early 2008 the photographer, who is wellknownfor his marketing campaigns for international brandssuch as Nike and Guinness, found himself boarding an RAFTristar aircraft bound for Afghanistan.52 Brigade were headquartered in Lashkar Gah and dailypatrols were conducted from the FOBs (Forward OperatingBases). It was here that Robert managed to capture hissubjects with penetrating intimacy. His unrivalled access tothe men and women serving in Helmand has produced amemorable photographic collection that erodes the sterileremoteness with which most of us perceive modern warfare.A book of Robert Wilson’s photographs, Helmand, hasbeen acclaimed for its impact and insight into life on thefront line. It will be available from the National War Museumshop, priced £30.National War Museum Scotland opening timesMonday to Sunday 9.30am to 6.00pm (1 Apr to 30 Sep);9.30am to 5pm (1 Oct to 31 Mar)Admission: The exhibition is free with admission toEdinburgh Castle. Castle admission prices are currentlyAdult £11.00, Child £5.50, Concessions £9.00.Further information www.nms.ac.ukISSUE 02 MAGAZINE 17