100 Faces of War (http://100facesofwarexperience.org/), a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian, features 100 oil portraits of Americans who went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, by artist Matt Mitchell (Virtually). YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/8db2TMHbR-I
To understand something as complex as the American experience of war in Iraq and Afghanistan it is useful to listen to many perspectives.
The 100 Faces exhibition shows a cross-section of Americans who went to these wars between 2001 and 2014. Each person met the artist and was asked to say something about themselves. They could say whatever they wanted. The statement they provided, and their bio represent that moment in their personal history.
Who are the one percent of Americans that volunteer to defend the 99 percent? 100 Faces of War presents a new way to understand the stories of the soldiers and citizens who served our country during the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through these portraits and their own words, we come to know their strengths and frailties, their courage and fears, their warmth and humanity. Their words were not edited, and some opinions and language may be considered strong. Each statement represents the feelings and emotions of the sitter alone. Some sat for portraits just days after returning home, and their words reflect their recent experience of conflict. This exhibition is a place of contemplation—unlike a history written by a single author, here you will find one hundred different and highly personal ways of looking at duty, sacrifice, and the human experience of war.
