A Veteran’s Healing Through Abstract Expression: Examining Michael Novotny’s Artistic Portfolio

Khadija Boyd; Bernard McKenna

doi:10.21061/jvs.v11i1.703

A Veteran’s Healing Through Abstract Expression: Examining Michael Novotny’s Artistic Portfolio

Journal of Veterans Studies

Volume 11 (2025): Issue 1

By: Khadija Boyd and Bernard McKenna

Open Access

|Apr 2025

Abstract

Michael Novotny’s creative journey began early in his life; however, during the 20 years he spent in the US Army, his artistic style truly emerged. Over his military career, his experiences shaped the themes and techniques of his distinctive abstract art, which forged a visual language deeply influenced by it. This analysis will explore six works within his portfolio that draw attention to the veteran experience and the artist who lives with trauma and traumatic recovery.

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