Vainuupo “AV” Avegalio

Reminiscing Flash

Exhibited in Warriors: From Survival to Creation

Vainuupo “AV” Avegalio is a retired United States Army Veteran, a self-taught mixed media artist, and a poet whose work channels the raw emotional terrain of war, trauma, and healing. Through vivid color, layered textures, and evocative wordplay, AV’s art and poetry reflect his experiences during multiple tours in Afghanistan and other undisclosed regions, as well as his ongoing journey with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

He began exploring art during the final years of his military service while undergoing treatment for combat-related injuries. What started as a personal outlet for unspeakable truths quickly evolved into a powerful form of expression. His work was first recognized during a therapeutic art workshop by influential figures including Ashy Palliparambil (then USO, now Mission Belonging Program Manager), Lovella Calica (Founder of Warrior Writers), Eli Wright (Frontline Arts Instructor), and Seema Reza (Founder of Mission Belonging).

AV’s art has been featured in solo exhibitions at renowned venues such as The Workhouse Art Center in Virginia, The Torpedo Factory in Maryland, Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Washington, D.C., and the Original Thinkers Film Fest in Telluride. As a poet, he has performed at prestigious institutions including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Torpedo Art Factory, and Stanford University.

Today, AV dedicates his time to community healing—leading free workshops in art and poetry for at-risk youth, first responders, incarcerated individuals, and both active-duty and veteran service members. His work continues to bridge the personal and the collective, transforming pain into connection and creativity.

This work is not currently for sale.