Set designer Anna Burns has collaborated with Michael Bodiam for a series that explores our anxiety and morbid fascination with potential nuclear destruction.
Titled 'Silent but Violent,' the series attempts to reconcile our contradictory attitudes -- we are both attracted to and repelled by nuclear warfare -- by creating craft versions of nuclear bombs using flowers, balloons and marbles, among other things. Can a nuclear bomb explosion really be depicted as cute? Apparently so, because there's almost no other word to describe these lovely compositions.
Though pretty to look at, the project attempts to answer a much bigger, more significant question: "Are we hungry, enthralled or just anesthetized" when it comes to nuclear catastrophe and certain death?
Beauteous Nuclear Bombs
Anna Burns and Michael Bodiam Create Cute Nuclear Compositions
Trend Themes
1. Nuclear Anxiety - Businesses should consider products or campaigns that explore and alleviate the public's fears regarding nuclear disaster.
2. Cute Morbid Art - There may be opportunities for companies to create products or art installations that explore themes of death or destruction in unconventional and charming ways.
3. Contradictory Fascinations - Businesses could consider marketing products that tap into consumers' complex and often contradictory interests in objects, ideas, or phenomena that are both attractive and repugnant.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Artists and designers may find success exploring the use of juxtaposing imagery and themes in their works in order to convey a message or evoke emotions in their audience.
2. Advertising and Marketing - Marketers could harness the power of contrasting emotions within a single ad campaign to create a memorable and thought-provoking impression on the audience.
3. Nuclear Engineering - As people become more aware and concerned about the destructive potential of nuclear weapons, there could be opportunities for companies in nuclear engineering to explore alternative methods for energy production and storage.