Paper sculptor Li Hongbo is using his most recent colorful installation to make an important statement. Irons for the Ages, Flowers for the Day is a rainbow of paper art that examines the conflict surrounding war and weapons. Each aspect of the sculpture is made from gun-shaped packs of paper that have been fanned out into delicate, floral patterns. This juxtaposition is meant to represent the dueling forces of war and peace. “Audiences will see a beautiful flower blooming in the space, but this image also hopefully makes people think and pay close attention to what’s underneath,” Hongbo told The Creators Project. “When viewers realize that such a wonderful space is actually made out of ‘weapons,’ they are going react.”
The setting for the installation also plays a role in its visual power. “The historical building together with this contemporary look makes people think about the lifespan of a flower, flourishing shortly, and of steel, which lasts much longer,” explained the artist. Ultimately, the sculptor hopes that his efforts will resonate with people from all different backgrounds. His overall goal is to have museum visitors take a moment to reflect when they come across his vibrant installation.
The exhibition is currently on display at the SCAD Museum of Art.
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via [brainalize, The Creators Project]