Invisible War
About the project
The "Invisible War" project is a pioneering collaboration that bridges the gap between scientific research and public perception. The goal was to translate the complex and often misunderstood experience of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—a debilitating, "invisible" chronic pain condition—into a powerful visual narrative. This initiative sought not only to educate the public about the mechanisms and impact of CRPS but also to challenge the stigma faced by sufferers who often encounter skepticism from friends, family, and even medical professionals. The resulting artwork serves as a monumental tool for empathy, fostering greater understanding of an experience that defies simple explanation.
Medium: Mixed media on canvas, Framed in black 74” x 74”
Retail cost: $14,000
Behind the work
"Invisible War" is a monumental 74" x 74" mixed media painting created by artist Bill Dambrova in collaboration with NAU researchers Dr. Cynthia Ivy and Dr. Gretchen Bachman. The project's central purpose is to visualize the "invisible" nature of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition that is often misunderstood by the public and medical community alike. Dambrova’s dynamic and complex artwork captures the internal battle experienced by those with CRPS, bringing a hidden struggle into sharp public focus. The piece was developed through the Phoenix Bioscience Core's "Artist + Researcher (ARx)" program and achieved notable recognition when it was selected as the cover art for the Fall 2023 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy.
