Edward Tick writes that America’s veterans are denied connection to their communities and the basic rituals that are needed for reintegration into society following military service. This ritual requires sharing the burdens of the veteran with their community through story. Art can serve as this much-need ritual lacking in our modern military. Art is a means for storytelling. Veterans not only need other veterans, they also need their communities. This exhibit bridges the gap between civilian and military communities in order to foster compassion and understanding.
The artwork of About Face is installed within a constructed setting of a home. The artwork was created using photography and papermaking processes. The handmade rag paper is created from military uniforms, known in the veteran-artist community as "Combat Paper”, combined with baby clothes. About Face explores the complexities and contradictions of family and identity in post 9/11 daily military life.
This exhibit is an awakening to the fact that war lingers and haunts the community upon which the veteran returns, even when that society does not to notice these phantoms. The exhibit offers a space for open communication and welcomes all who are willing to bear witness. This work serves as a voice for those who too often remain silent.
Diptych of paper casts of military ACU uniform top and baby onsie, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Paper cast of baby onsie, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed, close up photograph of paper cast of baby onsie, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Paper casts of military ACU uniform top, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed, close up photograph of paper cast of military ACU uniform top, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
White wall and dining area of installation. Handmade rag paper is created from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Digital Portraits and handmade paper cast of wedding rings, hung on white wall of installation.
Detailed, close up photograph of paper cast of two wedding bands, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Paper cast of two wedding bands, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Diptych of paper casts of military dogtags and pearl necklace, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Paper cast of pearl necklace, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed, close up photograph of paper cast of pearl necklace, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Paper cast of military dogtags, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Detailed, close up photograph of paper cast of military dogtags, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes.
Unfinished wooden wall of the installation, two shelves with lamps, six 5"x7" photographs in frames on shelfs, three 11"x17" photographs in 16"x20" frames hung on wall, dining table in the middle.
Paper casts of a baby fork and spoon, and an Afghani military knife, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes, torn from paper and displayed on table.
Paper casts of a bowl and glass, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes, torn from paper and displayed on table.
Paper casts of cup, bowl, baby fork and spoon, and an Afghani military knife, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes, torn from paper and displayed on a green placemat on table. 8.5"x11" blank sheets of handmade pap
8.5"x11" blank sheets of handmade paper, and paper cast of pen torn from paper, displayed on table, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes, torn from paper
Seams of military uniforms and baby clothes exhibited on a wooden chair. The materials are the remains of the uniforms and baby clothes used to make the handmade rag paper.
Child's rocking chair, and manufacutured "daddy doll" toys with photographs in the face of the dolls.
Paper casts of child's ABC toy letters, torn from paper and displayed on a carpet next to dolls and rocking chairs.
Small table, bowl with cast of keys on handmade paper, three 5″×7″ photographs in frames.
Paper casts of house keys and child's toy keys, created with handmade rag paper pulped from military uniforms and baby clothes, torn from paper and displayed on wire key rings in a bowl on a small table.
View of installation from gallery space.
Rocking chairs, dolls, small table, blanket, bowl with cast of keys on handmade paper, three 5"x7" photographs in frames.
