Fire, Cover, Repeat

"Fire, Cover, Repeat” reflects the endless cycle of procedure, pressure and repetition surrounding operational life inside conflict and crisis environments. The title represents more than battlefield movement alone. It becomes a way of living.

The work symbolizes the constant need to react, protect, adapt and continue functioning under pressure across every aspect of life. In operational environments, procedures extend far beyond the mission itself. Everything becomes preparation, communication, finances, movement, documentation, contingency plans, automatic systems and even the awareness of mortality itself.

“Fire” represents the pressure constantly pushing forward. “Cover” represents the systems, routines and procedures built to survive it. “Repeat” represents the reality that the cycle never truly ends. The mission continues. The responsibility of the contractor continues. The pressure remains active long after the environment itself changes.

The figure inside the painting stands surrounded by instability while remaining operational through repetition and control. Over time, procedure stops feeling temporary and slowly becomes identity.

Created on canvas using acrylic paint applied with a 9 mm bullet, the entrance ID card from the Embassy, a block of melted body armor cover and a combat knife. The paint was dabbed using documents confirming my medical evacuation, a hospital wristband from where I eventually ended up and an airline ticket that was never used because I continued the operation. (Repeat) I use real operational materials to leave something of myself behind in the canvas to give the art a soul.

Dimensions 50 X 40 cm on canvas