Description
“Who Called the Doctor?“, powerfully captures the moment when a Flying Doctor is called into action. The painting depicts the flying doctor soaring over the vast, arid desert landscape, conveying both the isolation of the region and the hope brought by the doctor’s arrival. It is also a play-on the sci-fi show Doctor Who. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this series ‘Doctor Who‘ is a British science fiction television series that has been airing on the BBC since 1963. Created by Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber, and Donald Wilson, the show follows the adventures of the Doctor, an extraterrestrial Time Lord. The Doctor explores the universe and travels through time aboard the TARDIS, a time-traveling spaceship disguised as a British police box (pictured in Steer’s painting). Along the way, the Doctor frequently teams up with companions to fight enemies, save lives, and champion the cause of oppressed peoples.
Steer’s dramatic use of light and shadow, coupled with his bold, expressive brushwork, emphasizes the urgent, life-saving nature of the service. The vivid colours Steer uses are typical of the Australian outback.
“Who Called the Doctor?” reflects Steer’s admiration for the pioneering spirit of the Flying Doctor Service, celebrating the courage and determination of those who risk their lives to bring healthcare to the remotest parts of Australia. The painting is a tribute to both the landscape and the people who, through their resilience, overcome its challenges.
Howard William Steer is an Australian artist best known for his evocative works depicting the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). He has become a prominent figure in Australian art, particularly for his portrayal of life in the remote outback. His connection to the Flying Doctor Service is deeply personal, as he was inspired by its role in providing medical care to isolated communities across Australia’s vast, rugged landscapes.
