Contemporary figurative artist, veteran and PTSD survivor Michael (Mike) Armstrong created Voices of Veterans. He started photographing veterans using molasses to explore their lived PTSD experience after and during his diagnosis after 23 years in the Australian Army.
- "Molasses behaves in a manner that mirrors many of the symptoms of PTSD. Its weight and dark enveloping form, it's staining and sticky qualities mark everything it touches," says Mike. "The manner in which it mirrors qualities of light and dark around it. My models naturally resonated with the experience of working with molasses and found the medium profoundly evocative."
The works resonated immediately with the veterans and Mike started getting messages from veterans wanting to volunteer. Conversations and shoots and more images were shared. This sparked a cause - a movement. Voices of Veterans by Michael Armstrong was made.
Since then, the collection has flourished and the works seen by thousands. Being seen is the intent - people need to see the works and understand the issue. This then starts a conversation and what follows is the creation of positive change.
- “It’s well thought through, and it’s not rushed. There’s some strong philosophies behind it all and you can see from people’s reaction that they’re getting a lot out of it. Everything has a meaning for Michael. I think he’s (Mike) brilliant. He’s very innovative. He’s quite deep, and he’s not fanciful in that sense.” - His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).