# Controversial Wood Carvings Ben Turnbull Recreates the Horrors of War as Children's Toys By Jessica Marcel | Published 2009-11-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ben-turnbull References: [juxtapoz](http://www.juxtapoz.com/Current/breeding-terror-with-ben-turnbull) & [elevenfineart](http://www.elevenfineart.com/?pageid=3&ListID=52&ItemID=1169) Artist Ben Turnbull makes strong statements with his art. His work, which resembles [children's toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tivoli-collection), shows the prevalence of violence in society today. Turnbull's focus on the United States makes a strong impression. Many of Ben Turnbull's pieces are [wood relief carvings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodcarving-heritage) of different guns and weapons. Love them or hate them, these pieces demand attention. **Implications** - Ben Turnbull states that he is very "fascinated by the global dominance of American culture." His works reflect his perspective on the subject. Through his work, the artist is able to "reveal the shocking truths about [war, death and guns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandy-hook-promise) in the world’s most powerful country." If people do not know the truth, they certainly have a right to learn. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Controversial Art:** Artists creating provocative pieces that challenge societal norms and provoke discussions. - **Toy-styled Violence:** Depicting violent themes and imagery in artworks that resemble children's toys. - **Global Cultural Influence:** Exploring the impact and dominance of American culture on a global scale through art. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Opportunity for artists and designers to push boundaries and create thought-provoking works that challenge conventional ideas. - **Education:** Educational institutions and platforms can utilize controversial art as a teaching tool to encourage critical thinking and spark conversations about societal issues. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Brands can leverage provocative art to engage audiences, ignite discussions, and differentiate themselves in the market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Repurposed Wooden Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darren-appiagyei.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Geometric Wooden Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aleph-geddis.md) - [Explosion-Damaged Sculpture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness.md) - [Americana Subculture-Themed Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bullet-proof.md) - [Artful Wooden Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knowledge-of-all-dark-things.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Elegant Woodturned Furniture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodturned-furniture.md) - [Anti-Gun Water Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antigun-water-toys-jayhayspray20-promotes-change-in-societys-relationship-w.md)