The Peacekeepers
JENNIFER GHORMLEY’S THE PEACEKEEPERS (2014) is part of the Veteran Print Project, an initiative that brings artists and veterans together in dialogue to visualize the experiences of veterans through the traditional methods of printmaking. The artwork and short narratives written by the artist are displayed in galleries across the country to honor and celebrate the diverse experiences of our veterans.
“In listening to Monica’s story and learning about her experiences, one of the things that stuck with me was the physical impact one endures as a tool for waging war in order to establish peace. Monica mentioned that she has tinnitus, or a constant ringing in the ears, as a result from being around loud noises, operating artillery, machine guns and grenade launchers, etc. So while she is no longer enlisted, and has a whole life of experiences ahead of her, this constant reminder will always be present. My piece is an interpretation of this event, as a grimacing textural face is recoiling from the exploding sounds of numerous M-16s emanating from the ear. While I am not necessarily pro-war, I do identify with a personal sacrifice one makes for the good of others. And a part of me is grateful in ways I simply cannot express.” — Jennifer Ghormley