Using 20,000 toy soldiers, artist Ole Ukena created a giant peace sign in an installation called 'In the Absence of War.' The large sculpture shows green plastic soldiers mounted on a canvas composed of sand paper and wood to ironically create a peace symbol.
Ukena created the installation to be 5 feet high and stretch over 11 feet wide. As a result, viewers are forced to walk around to get a full view of the surreal sculpture. Each position around the sculpture gives the spectator a different perspective of the peace sign.
In the Absence of War is split up into two distinct pieces. Each half of the bisected artwork forms another half of the peace sign. As a result, you can see two armies clashing together across a border while forming an iconic symbol.
Ironic Toy Soldier Installations
The 'In the Absence of War' Sculpture Uses Violence to Form Peace
Trend Themes
1. Toy Soldier Installations - Creating large-scale installations using toy soldiers to convey a powerful message.
2. Disruptive Sculpture Art - Pushing boundaries in traditional sculpture by creating thought-provoking and ironic pieces.
3. Surreal Symbolism - Using unconventional materials and techniques to create symbolic artwork that challenges viewers' perceptions.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Exploring innovative approaches in sculpture and installation art.
2. Advertising and Marketing - Leveraging unconventional and provocative art installations for impactful brand campaigns and messaging.
3. Social Activism - Using art as a means to raise awareness and spark conversations about pressing social and political issues.