Side effects

“Side effects” symbolizes the dark humor that develops during years of operating inside crisis and war zones where extreme situations become part of daily reality. Humor places situations back into perspective and reflects the mentality that as long as people are still capable of laughing at the absurdity, pressure and chaos surrounding them, they are still mentally in control of what is happening around them.

At the same time the painting reflects the strange contrast between violence, instability and human behavior inside operational environments. Some people completely lose themselves inside those circumstances while others develop a detached form of humor that allows them to continue functioning under pressure. Not everybody possesses that ability, but for the people who do, it often becomes one of the strongest forms of mental survival.

The painting reflects the understanding that laughter inside conflict zones is rarely connected to happiness. More often it becomes recognition, acceptance and the ability to continue moving forward despite the surrounding reality.

Created on canvas using acrylic paint applied with the sole of one of my combat boots, my combat knife, the laces, a tourniquet, a compass and the bottom of a water bottle. I use real operational materials to leave something of myself behind in the canvas to give the art a soul.

Dimensions 40 X 50 cm on canvas