Broken
Broken is a response to the experiences of injured military veterans. Ten faceless uniformed figures, each one third life-size, support each other on a circular rotating board. Each figure has a diagnostic label. Some are pragmatic; Shell Shock and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, some close to slanderous; Lack of Moral Fibre, and some; Old Sergeant Syndrome and Soldiers Heart seem emotional. All the labels refer to attempts over the centuries to categorise and contain mental health issues resulting from the stress of combat. Broken refers to the cyclical nature of posttraumatic stress disorder, and to its historical precedents.
Broken was commissioned by the Royal British Legion