There is little room for self-expression in the military. It is a system of rigidity, built upon archaic values of order and hierarchy; uniformity is essential to success. But often lost in the symphony of “horahs”, salutes and pushups, is the identity of the men and women beneath the uniforms.
In the Veterans Visions Project, photographer Devin Mitchell helps to illustrate the lives of veterans away from active duty. The series is successful because it balances thematic consistency with individual expression. Each photograph is staged in the same basic form: Mitchell allows the subject to dictate their expression in front of the mirror, while an expressionless, military clad version stares back at them.
Some of the images depict joy, while others relay messages of residual trauma and addiction. This project is as important as it is creative.
Instagram: @veteransvisionproject
