Artist Michael Murphy could just be the Michael Moore of contemporary Art. In his recent controversial art installation, titled Gun Country, Murphy created a map of the United States by suspending 130 toy guns. “The question I am most commonly asked is whether the work is for or against guns. The answer is that it’s neither. It is intended to stimulate conversation about guns and gun related issues in the US,” explains the artist. The viewer is unable to see the map of the USA when standing below the hanging installation. The map is only revealed when the viewer stands from a distance, both literally and figuratively challenging the viewer’s perception of guns. Created for the open art competition ArtPrize, this though-provoking and reflective installation is currently being exhibited at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. “Every viewer that I have discussed the piece with has seemed inclined to tell me their stance on guns. Through this conversation that the piece inspires, it is my hope that people will think more critically about their stance on guns and gun related issues. I believe that through conversation, thoughts and ideas that are vocalized become their own entity and lend themselves to closer scrutiny and critical reflection.”

Visit Michael Murphy’s Website Here. 

Images via Juxtapoz