# Gift-Wrapped Grenades Shadi Ghadirian's 'White Square' Shows War Tied in a Bow By TrendHead | Published 2009-05-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-ribbon-war-photography-shadi-ghadirian-makes-brilliant-art-photography References: [ghadirian.aeroplastics.net](http://ghadirian.aeroplastics.net/artwork.php?id=9) & [telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3675583/Shadi-Ghadirian.html) Fancy a lovely [gift-wrapped](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clash-royale) grenade? No, perhaps not. But these brilliant photographs by Shadi Ghadirian called "[White Square](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-walls-gallery)" of red ribbons on gas masks, weapons, soldiers' helmets, belts, and boots makes for a pretty paradoxical cocktail that borders on some of the more [shocking art projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks) I have seen. I love it because it sets so many different thought off at the same time. Very twisted and dark in a way, but at the same time sweet and graceful. The series by Shadi Ghadirian is called “White Square.” Ghadirian's work was recently exhibited at "Unveiled: New Art from the Middle East" at the Saatchi Gallery in London. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **War Art:** Creating art that explores the paradoxical and thought-provoking aspects of war through unconventional mediums. - **Contrasting Images:** Combining elements that are typically seen as sweet and graceful with those related to war, creating a striking visual contradiction. - **Artistic Commentary:** Using art as a means to comment on social and political issues, challenging viewers to think critically about warfare and its impact. ### Where This Applies - **Art Galleries:** Displaying and promoting artwork that pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms and provoke deep thinking. - **Photography:** Exploring new ways of capturing and presenting images to convey powerful narratives and evoke complex emotions. - **Social Activism:** Using art as a tool to raise awareness about important issues and stimulate discussions around topics such as war and violence. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artsy Surrealist Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gohar-world.md) - [Tear Canister Candle Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/majdulin-nasrallah.md) - [Contemporary Military Fashion Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ukrainian-brand-rbtnk.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Student Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebanese-students-design-in-conflict.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Peace-Resembling Dress Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peace-dress.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Water Brand Wrapping Paper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-wrapping-paper.md)