Mr Gordon began work on one aspect of the exhibition in September when he put brush to canvas to create an expansive oil and acrylic work.

The artwork comprises three large panels and depicts the creation of thousands of headstones for the Australians who lost their lives in the conflict.

“This large-scale nine-metre-long panelled painting will take up one entire wall of gallery two,” he said.

“It sets the stage by representing the industrial-scale magnitude of tombstone production to meet the demand of the War Graves Commission for an adequate and tasteful commemoration of the dead.”

However, at the heart of the exhibition will be an emphasis on engaging the community  in contemplating the impact of World War I, which forever changed the lives of the Orange people and continues to resonate today.

Another component of the exhibition under construction in Mr Gordon’s home studio,  is a tribute to Orange’s Private Ernest Lachlan Powter who, at 15, lied about his age to enlist and was tragically killed on the battlefield before he reached his 16th birthday.

But Mr Gordon says his exhibition is more than a commemoration of Orange’s war dead.

“It will also include reference to contemporary local and national opposition to the war and will include the shaming symbol of their non-patriotic stance, with the white feather forming an integral aspect of the installation,” he said.

Other aspects of the exhibition  are a war grave installation and a large structured cross.

“With this exhibition I hope to provide much food for thought which includes the tough choices young men faced to volunteer and potentially die, be wounded or otherwise permanently affected, or face being labelled a coward,” Mr Gordon said.

“This had implications of becoming a social outcast, forever stigmatised.”

The exhibition, which will open on Friday, April 24, will be the culmination of two years of planning by the artist.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au