WAR AND THE COST TO HUMAN WELL-BEING
From the battlefield to the heart, war leaves marks unseen. Healing begins when peace takes root.
"War is often measured in casualties, destroyed infrastructure, and political outcomes. This artwork shifts the focus to its most enduring impact: the human body and mind. The first image portrays a heart at war—injured, scarred, and marked by violence—yet bordered by flowers emerging from its wounds. These flowers symbolize healing, resilience, and the possibility of recovery when peace replaces conflict. They reflect the role of care, compassion, and safety in restoring physical and emotional well-being.
The second image presents a soldier seated in silence, observing destruction from a distance. His stillness conveys exhaustion, psychological burden, and moral injury rather than heroism. Though the battle continues around him, the greater conflict exists within. This figure represents the long-term mental health consequences of war, including trauma, emotional numbness, and isolation, which often persist long after physical fighting ends.
Together, the two images emphasize that war does not remain confined to battlefields. It enters hospitals, homes, and communities, affecting healthcare systems, mental health, and everyday life. Healing, in this context, becomes an act of peace, and peace itself becomes essential treatment for humanity."
~Lenis Lei