Flash Bang

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Flash Bang

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Flash Bang is a raised vessel designed to mimic the form of a flash bang grenade; the type of grenade used often by police against protesters. The piece serves as commentary on the recent use of police brutality against peaceful protestors such as those at Standing Rock or across the country at anti-Drumpf protests. These weapons are used to blind, deafen and "accidentally" maim protesters and are a symbol of this country's militarized police force. Thus, just as citizens of Palestine have used empty tear gas canisters as flower pots, I intend to turn this symbol of violence on its head by making this flash bang into a flower vase. The piece was raised from a 6" copper disc and includes a forged lid and a copper fuse body made to fit the pull ring and safety lever from a real inert flash bang. A tube goes from the fuse body to the grenade body so that the flower can absorb water from the bottom.