"Gun Country" by Michael Murph
Gun Country is a site specific installation that consists of 130 toy guns for the open art competition ArtPrize this year. Murph told Fox News in an interview that "The piece lends itself to a number of different interpretations and I
think it’s important for the viewer to bring their own interpretation of
the piece to the table,” said Murphy. “In my work, the illusion is
generally a metaphor that relates to the meaning behind the work. It’s a
riddle. I want people to try to figure out what I mean by it, but I’m
not gonna tell you."
Funnily enough, though, Murph was very quick to explain what the piece was not. In its place in front of the Grand Rapids Police Department headquarters, many spectators have interpreted the piece as a commentary on police militarization, especially as given the recent events in Ferguson. However, Murphy stressed is that his piece is not about police militarization. "I would like to express my respect and gratitude to the police department here in Grand Rapids," Murphy said. "The piece is not meant to be a jab at them."
Funnily enough, though, Murph was very quick to explain what the piece was not. In its place in front of the Grand Rapids Police Department headquarters, many spectators have interpreted the piece as a commentary on police militarization, especially as given the recent events in Ferguson. However, Murphy stressed is that his piece is not about police militarization. "I would like to express my respect and gratitude to the police department here in Grand Rapids," Murphy said. "The piece is not meant to be a jab at them."
"Gun Country is a graphic illusion of the United States rendered with suspended toy guns. It is intended to stimulate conversation about guns and gun related issues in our country. Through this conversation, it is my hope that people will think more critically about their stance on this topic. With this conversation, the thoughts and ideas of viewers can become externalized lending themselves to closer personal scrutiny and critical reflection."
"Gun Country" from Michael Murphy
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