Art takes death out of deadly weapons

CAIRO – 11 April 2018: Have you ever imagined that something beautiful can come out of the weapons used in wars? Have you ever imagined seeing works of art created out of bombs?

“Art never dies” is a concept by which many artists all over the world have been motivated during various wars witnessed in modern history. These artists responded to the mass killing and losses resulting from deadly weapons in similar ways, astonishingly turning bullets, bombs and guns into artistic pieces and sculptures to mark the miserable stages that their countries have passed through.

After British musician and peace activist John Lennon was shot to death, his wife Yoko Ono asked their friend, Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, to mark this painful event through art, believing that people die while art doesn’t. Reuterswärd created the “Knotted Gun” sculpture, which was placed at the Strawberry Fields memorial in New York City’s Central Park, across from Lennon and Ono’s home.

Although there are many other western art pieces that feature the miserable impacts of deadly weapons, there are also dozens of significant Arab depictions.

Does it really worth the risk?

As Syria has been in a state of war for over six years now, Syrian artist Akram Abo Alfoz decided to “paint on death” no matter how dangerous or risky it could be. Inspired by the constant barrage of explosions and bombings in his hometown of Douma, he started to stand against the miserable situation through his brilliant artistic skills.

Abo Alfoz used to collect bullets and any remains of weapons after each major explosion or attack that occurred in the city. Believing that adding colors takes death out of these weapons and bullets, he makes mind-blowing transformations to these remains. In addition to coloring, Abo Alfoz sculpts and decorates the remains with designs that are totally inspired by his cultural heritage.


Sculpture made by Syrian artist Akram Abo Alfoz made out of the remains of weapons used in war, -Photo courtesy of the artist’s official page on Facebook.

Although some of his artistic pieces may seem dangerous or not for normal usage, many of them can be used as toys for children or Ramadan lanterns. A father of three children, Abo Alfoz told Middle East Eye that his art helps take the fear away from his children’s eyes.

Abo Alfoz has participated in numerous exhibitions in different countries, which is a testament that art can be a good weapon for Syrians to use to call for an end to violence.





Sculpture made by Syrian artist Akram Abo Alfoz made out of the remains of weapons used in war, -Photo courtesy of the artist’s official page on Facebook.