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2026 Gallery

Fractured Reflections

by: Diana de Avila
Sarasota, Florida

"Great leaders unite differences, not erase them."

quote by: Valentin Dandonneau, 8th Grade, Pine View School, Osprey, Florida
Teacher: Wendy Hazlett

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Artist Statement

Fractured Reflections captures the haunting duality of service and survival. An African American female veteran stands before a weathered mirror, her civilian self confronting the ghost of her younger, battle-hardened past. The cracks in the glass distort her reflection slightly, symbolizing the fractured memories and the lingering impact of war. The American flag overlays the image, a reminder of duty, sacrifice, and the cost of service. Bloodied handprints and boot imprints and blood splatter stain the walls—echoes of violence, resilience, and an identity forever shaped by war. Through this piece, I explore the silent battles fought long after the uniform is folded away, a testament to the courage, loss, and unbreakable spirit of women in the military.