News Portraits (School Shooters) is a disturbing illustration series that constructs likenesses of school shooters using newspaper clippings and online articles describing their specific actions. The series was put together by photographer Harri Palviranta, and consists of ten school shooter portraits -- five from the USA, two from Germany, two from Finland and one from Brazil. The newspaper clippings used to construct each portrait came from the country where that shooter perpetrated their crime.
The News Portraits (School Shooters) series offers a critique of these tragedies as well as provoking thought about how perpetrators are portrayed and how the media puts forth assumptions about them. With newspapers often accused of sensationalizing stories rather than providing objective reporting, this series both reminds viewers of the horrors of school shooting crimes as well as the responsibility of the media to do a better job in their response to such tragedies.
School Shooter Illustrations
These Portraits of School Shooters Were Created With News Clippings
Trend Themes
1. News Portraits - The use of news clippings to create portraits provides an innovative way to create thought-provoking art.
2. Critique Art - Critique art that offers commentary on real-life tragedies presents an innovative way to spark conversations around topics that may be difficult to discuss.
3. Media Critique - The series critiques the media's portrayal of perpetrators and can spark conversations on the role of journalism in society.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Contemporary artists can leverage this trend by creating art that offers commentary on real-life events.
2. Journalism - The series highlights the role of the media in shaping public perception and can prompt discussions on journalistic ethics and responsibility.
3. Education - The art can serve as an educational tool for discussing school shootings and other sensitive topics.