Opening Reception:
Saturday, May 30
MCAD Main Gallery
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Fragments: the broken pieces, the incomplete, the things left behind. In the aftermath of gun violence, there are countless fragments that leave an indelible mark. It’s in the loss of a loved one, the loss of innocence, the loss of a feeling of safety. What if these fragments could also be used to prompt change?
More than 200 people experience gun violence every day, with an average of 59% of American adults or someone they care about experiencing gun violence in their lifetime.* Beyond these staggering numbers are the countless people who will be forever changed by these moments. For decades, families, friends, advocates, community activists, and lawmakers have been calling for reform, but this uniquely American problem remains.
Featuring over 35 artists, Fragments Reimagined serves as a call to end gun violence in our communities, harnessing the transformative power of art to provoke dialogue, foster healing, and advocate for change. Embracing the model of the "Guns in the Hands of Artists" initiative originated in New Orleans in the mid-1990s, Art Is My Weapon provides a platform for artists to utilize their talents as a means of social commentary and activism. By transforming weapons into works of art, artists confront the harsh realities of gun violence and inspire hope for a safer, more peaceful future.
This exhibition is curated by Keisha Williams and Nikki McComb.
*statistics courtesy of Everytown https://everystat.org/ and the Centers for Disease Control
Participating Artists:
Katayoun Amjadi • David Aschenbrener • Pedram Baldari • Queen Serena Black • Juels Bowman • Courtney Bradshaw • Barbara Bridges • Tina Burnside • Christopheraaron Deanes • Diana Eicher • Kyle Fokken • Kelly Frankenberg • seangarrison • Ruthann Godollei • Jayden Goldsboro • Teneka Graves • Guillermo Guardia • • Christopher E. Harrison • Heaven Hayden • Karl Herber • David Kamm • Mike Klein • Michele A. Lackey • Laura Marie • Flahn Manly • Nikki McComb • Noval Noir • Rheasa Otto • Maria Quinn • Jennifer Schultz • Brit Sigh • Miko Simmons • Crystal Sokuu • Jennifer Higgs Stewart • Michelle Thayer • Lux Thunberg • University of St. Thomas Justice and Peace Studies students • Amy Wilderson