Paradigm Shift

Definition of Paradigm Shift:  An important change that happens when the usual way of thinking or doing something is replaced by a new and different way.

Historically, military- related public sculpture is commemorative (marks an event or person) and results in a memorial or monument.  Most often, it is civilian artists, and not Veteran artists, who are commissioned to create this work. These are civilian artists who have never experienced combat nor ever served.

Monuments and memorials generally focus on the individual war hero or groups of soldiers and serve to recall the warrior aspect of service. Their straightforward presentation does not allow as much room for interpretation whereas Veteran designed interpretive pubic art invites the viewer to ask, what is this Veteran trying to say about his or her experiences?

Operation Valor Arts believes when Veterans themselves are empowered to use their stories and experiences to inform the creative process, military-related public art takes on an added depth. When a Veteran artist is asked to create a work and can bring his or her emotions and true life experiences to that work, this contributes to a new playing field and represents a paradigm shift.