Claire Beckett (Jamaica Plain, MA), Specialist Takia Rust, 1164th Transportation Company, Framingham, MA, From the series “National Guard,” 2005, C-print, 16 x 20 inches, Courtesy of the artist
Claire Beckett (Jamaica Plain, MA), Lieutenant Alan Kent Perkins, 182nd Infantry, Dorchester, MA, From the series “National Guard,” 2005, C-print, 16 x 20 inches, Courtesy of the artist
Claire Beckett (Jamaica Plain, MA), Specialist Josue Torres, 1164th Transportation Company, Fort Devons, MA, From the series “National Guard,” 2005, C-print, 16 x 20 inches, Courtesy of the artist
Claire Beckett (Jamaica Plain, MA), Private Julian Javier Guzman, a newly enlisted soldier attending pre-basic training, Camp Edwards, MA, From the series “National Guard,” 2005, C-print, 16 x 20 inches, Courtesy of the artist
Claire Beckett (Jamaica Plain, MA), Hand dirty from operating a SAW M-249 Light Machine Gun, Bridgewater, MA, From the series “National Guard,” 2005, C-print, 16 x 20 inches, Courtesy of the artist
CURATORIAL STATEMENT
Claire Beckett’s interest in the National Guard stems in part from a curiosity about war and those that represent our country. As a part of this project, she has traveled to a variety of training facilities in the Greater Boston area—from Dorchester, to Hingham, Framingham, and the Cape. Interestingly, the Massachusetts National Guard recently made headlines in the Boston Globe for its declining numbers (almost 30% over a seven year period) and subsequent recruitment efforts. Beckett’s project calls into question many issues, from the balance of civilian and military life—these forces refer to themselves “M-day” or Mobilization day soldiers—to the role of the military and war in society.
Originally from Chicago, IL, Beckett earned a BA in Anthropology from Kenyon College (Gambier, OH) and is expected to earn her MFA in photography from Massachusetts College of Art in spring 2006. From 2002-2004, she was a Peace Corps Volunteer and AIDS educator in the Republic of Benin in West Africa.
ARTIST STATEMENT: National Guard
I have been photographing Massachusetts National Guard soldiers since 2004. Typically I spend drill weekend with the soldiers each month. The Guardsmen and women have regular civilian lives and occupations, but gather for military service for one weekend each month, and for several weeks of annual training each year. Unlike the past, when National Guard soldiers served primarily during emergency situations within the United States, today the National Guard serves overseas along with the regular Army, and makes up a large portion of the American force in Iraq.
Some of the soldiers whom I photograph are veterans who have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or previous conflicts. Those who have not yet been deployed prepare for the day that they will, which could come at any time. There is a tension in the air during weekend drills, and a new urgency to training exercises. Truck drivers practice detecting roadside bombs, while infantry soldiers master the art of maneuvering in an urban environment. Even the officers squeeze in extra practice on the pistol range; life may depend upon being a good enough shot.
I am deeply moved by the notion of these individuals who face war. What does it feel like to train, and anticipate combat? To leave home, kissing your loved ones goodbye, reassuring them that everything will be OK? What is it like for a soldier to experience war—the horror, the thrill, the victory, the loss—and to return home again, rejoining their old life as a changed person?
