"The Effects of Mustard Gas"
A Horror Thrift Store Restoration by Aimee Thomas.
Used preemptively for the first time in World War I - Mustard Gas is a toxic chemical weapon used to murder and incapacitate human beings. 24 hours after exposure, the victim gradually suffers extreme itching and skin inflammation. Eventually developing into first and second degree burns, characterized by large blisters filled with yellow liquid. Early preventative measures, such as wearing a gas mask, were found to be unsuccessful. Mustard Gas is an agent that is highly transferrable to exposed skin and can linger on surfaces for weeks. Those who survive the chemical agent, are more likely to develop cancer later in life. Unfortunately, sulfur mustards have been used in a multitude of wars and disputes since 1917.
I wanted to do a few portraits involving human experimentation for my next few projects. While researching, I came upon the chemical warfare agent, Mustard Gas. I loved the idea of a gas mask paired with a mustard yellow dress - but all of the reference pictures I used were very distressing and painful to look at. Majority of the time, I'd like to believe that making these restorations is my way of honoring the people directly affected by the subject matter. This was definitely one of those times.. This piece started as a small print of an original painting, which I purchased at Junk in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I restored the image using acrylic and water color paints.
Some things I've read have suggested that perhaps Mustard Gas was not as lethal as it's reputation suggests. That it was mainly used to have a psychological impact on soldiers. After all, chemical agents were not the most conventional weapon at the time. However, I remain doubtful to that opinion. I just refuse to believe that Reddit and Google Images would lie to me!
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