Truth of War Project
Artist Statement
The Horror
Video
In this video I set out to express a fact of war that I believe many people have a misconception of. War throughout history has been largely portrayed as a valiant struggle of honor and valor. But in reality, it is a much darker conflict that affects both the soldier and their soul. Ever since the end of World War Two, soldiers in our military have been conditioned to be merciless. This combined with new ways to kill our fellow man brings about a violent cataclysm of death and destruction that can eventually destroy the human psyche. I was inspired by such films as Apocalypse Now and Saving Private Ryan, and the gritty, realistic action and emotions portrayed in them, to combine some of their footage in a single video. I specifically chose scenes that have been praised for their horrific accuracy to present my truth of war: that it is an combat of extreme carnage that is glorified far too much.
Will Klumpenhower
January 2016
Video
In this video I set out to express a fact of war that I believe many people have a misconception of. War throughout history has been largely portrayed as a valiant struggle of honor and valor. But in reality, it is a much darker conflict that affects both the soldier and their soul. Ever since the end of World War Two, soldiers in our military have been conditioned to be merciless. This combined with new ways to kill our fellow man brings about a violent cataclysm of death and destruction that can eventually destroy the human psyche. I was inspired by such films as Apocalypse Now and Saving Private Ryan, and the gritty, realistic action and emotions portrayed in them, to combine some of their footage in a single video. I specifically chose scenes that have been praised for their horrific accuracy to present my truth of war: that it is an combat of extreme carnage that is glorified far too much.
Will Klumpenhower
January 2016