Title: “Invisible Wounds”
Artist: Darren Lapsley
Size of Work: 24” x 24”
Medium: Mixed-Media including Artists’ Pastel, Paper Collage, Fabric, and Repurposed Metal
Description: “Invisible Wounds” is a mixed-media artwork that delves into the struggles faced by military veterans, particularly Black service-members, as they navigate the challenges of civilian life. The central focus is a stoic and weary portrait of a Black man, rendered in white and gray artists’ pastels against a black gesso-treated canvas. The dark background highlights his features while evoking the isolation and invisibility he experiences due to mental health challenges. Surrounding the portrait is a collage of distorted, enlarged photographs of military medals. These colorful symbols of past achievement and service are layered to create depth and a sense of disarray. A detached camouflage hood on the left symbolizes the loss of protection and identity after military separation. Patriotic buttons sourced from antique shops offer a stark contrast to reality. An empty, raised sleeve with a missing hand, honors both the visible and invisible wounds of combat.

Artist Biography: Darren Lapsley is a combat Marine Corps Veteran turned artist, whose life and work have been woven from the threads of discipline, leadership, resilience. Lapsley’s work exemplifies his dedication to core values of honor, courage, and commitment. His leadership, and his service is expressed through every piece he creates. Lapsley uses multi-media imagery to reflect the juxtaposition of grit and grace. This exemplifies his unending dedication to sharing his world view through the lens of traditional techniques with modern trends. Darren Lapsley is an Associate in Arts student at Oakland Community College and resides in Royal Oak, Michigan. He plans to pursue an MFA after completing his 4-year degree in Visual Arts.