Emma Willis, Lisa Armstrong and David Gandy present ‘Art in the Aftermath’; an exhibition of painting, poetry and film by medically discharged servicemen. A truly inspiring showcase of how they use the creative process to help heal and manage their physical and psychological injuries from violent conflict. The show aims to give insight to the public of the invisible wounds wars leave, and also aims to launch new careers for the veteran artists featured.
The exhibition will showcase the work of four military veterans suffering from PTSD and brain injury caused by experiences in predominantly Afghanistan, as well as paintings by soldier Harry Parker and an extraordinary collection of military memorabilia collected by soldier, Shaun Stocker.
The exhibition will also feature a short film directed by David Gandy titled “Art in the Aftermath” and a short film by Matt Weston starring renowned actor Charles Dance, who kindly donated his time in support of the soldier artist. Matt will also be exhibiting his reproduction of the ‘Blue Bench’; a recreation of the benches on the road from Sidcup to now St. Mary’s Hospital in World War I for those travelling to and from the hospital for treatment with the innovative plastic surgeon Harold Gilles. The veterans being supported will also be available to engage with during the event.
Key Dates:
On November 7th BBC’s Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen will be in discussion on the long term impact of war, both having witnessed, documented and reported on the frontline for most of his career. He will be joined by the exhibiting artists to discuss their experiences and creative path.
On November 12th the charity’s patron fashion telegraph director, Lisa Armstrong and ambassador David Gandy will discuss “The power of dressing” and the powerful effect of clothes on morale and self esteem with injured service personnel Lt. Alex Horsfall, Matt Weston and Dr. Frances Townend.
About Style for Soldiers:
Style for Soldiers is a charity founded by Emma Willis MBE of ‘Emma Willis’ in response to the numerous casualties incurred in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2008 she began visiting patients at the Military Rehabilitation Hospital every 2 months, measuring them for a bespoke shirt as a gift of thanks for their bravery and sacrifice.
Art in the Aftermath will be held at La Galleria on Pall Mall between the 6th and 18th of November.
