The subtitle of the current show at the Stephen Daiter Gallery, Collateral Damage, is The Human Face of War, but an equally appropriate title might be Humanity in Spite of War. Out of some of the most violent and horrific moments, the four photographers whose work is exhibited in this show draw empathetic attention to atrocities associated with war—ones that are often left un-discussed by the widespread media today.

Ashley Gilbertson. From the series “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot." Iraqui’s attempt to extinguish a van that caught fire on Saadoun Street in Baghdad, Iraq on May 30, 2004. 26 1/2 X 40 inches.

Ashley Gilbertson. Marines run for cover after white phosphorus was accidentally fired at them by another company when Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, was somehow mistaken for a band of insurgents in Falluja, Iraq on November 9, 2004. 13 1/4 X 20 inches.

With few exceptions, the photographs in this very moving and revealing show are primarily associated with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vincent Cianni’s series about gay servicemen, and the affects of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” includes images of soldiers from earlier conflicts, and there is also a small selection of photographs from the war in Vietnam. The Vietnam photos serve primarily to set a context. The catalogue includes a quote by Henry James from 1915 in response to trench warfare. He said, “The war has used up words.” This quote along with the Vietnam photos, are painful reminders that despite the passing of time, the realities and pains of war have not changed.

Samantha Appleton. Helicopter Shot Down, Falluja, Iraq, c.2000. 13 9/16 X 20 1/2 inches.

Vincent Cianni. From the series “Gays in the Military: How America Thanked Me." 40 X 50 inches.

Collateral Damage: The Human Face of War. On view from September 7  through December 1, 2012. Photographs by Samantha Appelton, Vincent Cianni, Ashley Gilbertson and Stephanie Sinclair.

Please join the gallery for a reception on September 23 from 10am – 1pm, with the artists Samantha Appleton and Vincent Cianni. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Gallery proceeds from the sales of prints in the exhibition will benefit post-traumatic stress support groups such as Wounded Warriors. In the case of sales of prints from the Gays in the Military series, funds will be sent to the Service members Legal Defense Network, an organization that advocates for LGBT personnel.

Stephanie Sinclair. From the series “Self-immolation in Afghanistan: A cry for help”, 2003-2005. A rose is held up to the face of Rokhshana Rahimi who was near death at Herat Public hospital. Rokhshana set herself on fire when her husband, who left her to go to Iran 14 years earlier, demanded she return to him. She died in the hospital from her wounds. More than 700 women have set themselves on fire in Afghanistan in a desperate cry for help, 2003-2005. 18 1/8 X 27 1/2 inches.

Samantha Appleton. From the series “Men with War." Praying in an Al Qaeda Safe House, Ramadi, Iraq, c.2000. 13 9/16 X 20 1/2 inches.

Ashley Gilbertson. From the series « Bedrooms of the Fallen. Cpl. Thomas M. Gilbert - 24, was killed by an IED attack on October 25, 2006 in Falluja, Iraq. He was from Downers Grove Illinois, 2012. 54 X 20 1/4 inches.

Mary DeYoe is a poet and freelance arts writer. She lives in Chicago.