‘Brothers in Arms’, 2012 (mixed media)

‘Brothers in Arms’, 2012. Mixed media artwork by Michael Crossan, 2012. Michael Crossan joined the Royal Highland Fusiliers as a teenager. He travelled extensively after leaving the army, but struggled with alcoholism and ended up homeless before getting help from veterans’ charities. Art therapy can help struggling veterans address the symptoms of psychological injury, reduce anxiety and manage stress. In his art Crossnan explores issues around army rehabilitation and life after service. According to Michael Crossan, this artwork shows, ‘what it’s like to be homeless in the middle of a crowd. When you are on the streets you are invisible. The general public get uncomfortable when they see something that’s not pleasing to the eye. They see homeless people as a threat. People think its called ‘Brothers in Arms’ because of the military connection, but it’s bigger than that. It’s about humanity.’