Wesley Jackson, Thousand Yard Stare (PEOPLE 2025)

This portrait captures my son dressed in military uniform, evoking a deep sense of loss and vulnerability. The soft, contemplative gaze of the child contrasts with the sharp military insignia, symbolising the premature burden of conflict placed upon the innocent. The composition reflects the military portraits of soldiers taken prior to deployment in wars past and shows the soldier as the child they once were. The image resonates as a reflection on the societal and emotional toll of war, compelling the viewer to confront the sacrifices made by the most vulnerable - our youth.

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