Print of unique art piece 'Spoils of War' Original 2019 Edition
Edition: 1 of 100
Signed by Artist & embossed with artist's stamp of authenticity
Paper size : 112cm Long x 43cm Wide
Printed on archival paper - limited edition print
Unframed - Lifesize AK47
ABOUT THE ARTWORK:
This edition print is taken from the original art piece 'Spoils of War'
Deactivated AK47 is taken from a conflict zone.
'Spoils of War' considers the relationship between trade and conflict in a global context.
Taking a decommissioned AK-47 that has seen active service, as its subject, Symondson first covers it with real burnt dollar bills, suggesting dirt and fumes, a toxic fuel that powers this relationship. It is then collaged with the hand-cut detailing from the dollar bills.
Symondson then swaps out the AK-47’s bullets for commodities, each commodity coming from an area of conflict where the AK-47 is also prevalent. This tactic fails to neutralize the weapon, instead, it seems to work to signal the potency and latent power of each commodity. There is also a strongly implied inter-relationship between commodity and gun, both sustaining and compromising the other in a never-ending spiral. It asks the viewer to contemplate how closely bound one is to the other, and perhaps by extension how closely we might be implicated.
Bullet Fillings:
Clear Bullets are handmade and modelled from an AK-47, 7.62 round.
- Opium poppy seeds (brought back from Afghanistan),
- Oil
- Cocaine
- Blood,
- Religious symbols
- Earth
- Diamonds (Swarovski crystals)
- Gold
- Bullet with "your name" on it
Made in London, UK.