About
Style for Soldiers exhibition Art in the Aftermath will be showcasing art, poetry and film created by former servicemen suffering from PTSD or brain injury predominantly incurred in Afghanistan, as well as the paintings and drawings of Harry Parker who was physically injured by a Taliban IED explosion.
The charity has sponsored 4 soldier artists for the year to remove financial pressures and allow them to develop their art, with professional mentors and work towards this exhibition Art in the Aftermath.
Creative work has been scientifically proven to help re route the neurological pathways of the brain and the veterans have found peace and purpose over the year and the aim now is to launch economically viable careers for them doing what they love and supports them psychologically.
Significant support has been given by British companies including Christies for all the exhibition art direction and signage, Mr Porter, Marks & Spencer, Barclays, Russell & Bromley, Lock and Co Hatters, Pol Roger and The Veterans Foundation.
The exhibition will also show powerful images taken for the Financial Times of Style for Soldiers Founder Emma Willis’s visits to Headley Court in 2009, at the height of the Afghan casualties, measuring for complimentary bespoke clothing as a gift of gratitude for their courage and sacrifice, as well as photographic portraits of injured soldiers dressed immaculately in a Style for Soldiers / Mr Porter photo shoot by top fashion photographers Ben Weller and Boo George ( below ) to show the importance of smart clothes for morale and self confidence when transitioning into new, unpredicted civilian life and careers.
The exhibition will also be showing Ben Dearnley’s stunning sculpture of Mark Ormrod’s torso ‘Undefeated’. Mark lost three limbs in an IED explosion while serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan, and met Emma on one her visits to Headley Court, The Military Rehabilitation Hospital.
On Nov 7th Humanitarian Photographer Giles Duley will be talking to the Soldier Artists about the healing powers of art after psychological trauma and on November 12th David Gandy and Telegraph Fashion Director Lisa Armstrong will be discussing The Power of Dressing on self esteem and confidence, particularly following life changing physical injury, with service women and men.
It will be a positive exhibition talking openly about PTSD and coping with physical life changing injury but celebrating our exceptional young servicemen and women in this important centenary year and after a decade of violent conflict.
Emma Willis and the Soldier Artists will be at La Galleria throughout to talk about the exhibition and they look forward to meeting visitors.