SHRAPNEL

“Shrapnel” is an introspection of internalized pain.

Let’s talk about a bomb explosion. During an explosion, injuries are not only caused by the actual impact but also by the shrapnel from the bomb. Various pieces of metal encased within the bomb often cause a shimmy effect and damage internal organs, also dragging along environmental debris. Some objects leave the body through exit wounds and some are retained deep within. The management usually involves treating the injuries caused by these high velocity shrapnel. Sometimes the morbidity associated with the removal of shrapnel does not justify its removal from the body.

How is this similar to emotional pain? An emotionally overwhelming event can leave deep scars on one’s psyche. Abusive words, painful thoughts, troubling sights can often stay in the memory long after the actual event has passed. It programs our personalities and it’s really challenging to cope with it. Someone in pain need not even be aware of the damage it has done to them. Emotional trauma can be a one-time event or repetitive. But emotional healing is a lifelong process.

My art is my safe space. It is my journal to discover who I truly am.