In a biting social commentary, artist Melanie Alves has created Hunting Season, an exhibition of taxidermy-like animals made from toy guns.
On display at the Shooting Gallery Project Space until March 8, Melanie Alves' sculptures are of wolves, deer and lions constructed using toy guns, chicken wire, plaster and toy soldiers. Hunting Season explores the issue of gun violence and the "manufacturing of a culture of fear" in America. Her use of toy guns and toy soldiers symbolizes our distorted image of violent guns into that of a playful thing of beauty, referring to her taxidermy pieces as "society's trophy to itself."
While I'm sure not everyone will agree with Melanie Alves' message, Hunting Season is never the less an interesting and thought-provoking exhibit that is worth examining.
Toy Gun Taxidermy Sculptures
Melanie Alves' Hunting Season Exhibit Speaks About Guns in Society
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