Emotions are often described as what runs under the surface of a person.

What would this look like for a soldier? Maple Ridge artist Shari Pratt captures some of what may lie underneath in her art series, "Attention".

A 15-piece exhibit, "Attention" will be on display at the Fort Gallery in Fort Langley until Nov. 12.

According to Pratt, the artwork depicts soldiers at attention while asking individuals to also pay attention to the emotions soldiers may have felt while courageously facing their fear and anger.

Started in 2011, Pratt developed the series when the first piece "Airman Commences" was created for a separate show about loneliness.

"It [Airman Commences] influenced me to create a series involving soldiers," Pratt noted.

The majority of the pieces in the show feature painted portraits above layers of other objects which are revealed and detached to show what exists under the surface.

"Most pieces include some form of mixed media (some even have uniforms embedded) and all involve four to eight layers," commented Pratt.

The consistent use of a 24x48-inch canvas emphasizes the concept of the men standing at attention. Pratt said she installs eight of the individual pieces in a row, similar to a military lineup, when they are displayed.

Pratt has no war experience, nor any political message. She sees the series as focused on the profound courage individual soldiers have.

Meet Pratt at an opening reception on Oct. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Gallery at 9048 Glover Road.

Regular gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays, and there will be a special opening on Nov. 12 in honour of Remembrance Day.

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