Dishonorably Decorated
Kavya D.
Watercolor on paper, graphite pencils, black fineliner pens, acrylic pens
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This piece examines the silence forced onto soldiers whose stories were erased through policies like the Blue Discharge and during events like the Red Summer. After learning about this era in time during class, I wanted to challenge the patriotic imagery we’re taught to accept by displaying the parts of history that are so commonly overlooked, drawing on my passion for history and activism. I researched veteran testimonies and read their stories, layering the military language into the background to contrast what was written with what was lived. The stitched mouths represent how members were punished, dismissed without recognition, and silenced for their identities and race. Watercolor displays a bleeding flag to depict our nation’s failure to honor and protect those who valiantly served to protect us.
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To me, creativity is a path of expression and an escape from the hustle of everyday life. When I’m drawing, painting, or creating something with my hands, I feel a sense of release and empowerment, being able to put into visual arts what I can’t always convey with words.
