Photograph by Justin Langlois.
Photograph by Justin Langlois.
The original plans for the project proposal to Artcite.
Photograph by Justin Langlois.
Photograph by Justin Langlois.
Photograph by Justin Langlois.
Photograph by Justin Langlois.
War Is Over, If You Want It
Stephen Surlin 2009
Wood, straw, wire, screws
War is Over, If You Want It a piece I did for Artcite’s 2009 Fahrenheit Festival at the Volmer Culture & Recreation Complex in LaSalle, Ontario. The event took place in late September in a large park area with an artificial lake with a peninsula that houses the sculptures during the event.
Fahrenheit 2009 followed in the footsteps of Artcite’s 2001 “Autumnal Equinox & Bucolic BBQ Bacchanal”, which featured the (sanctioned) burning of four artist-made 20-foot high wood sculptures before a small crowd. In 2002 Artcite hosted the inaugural “Fahrenheit”, North America’s first Fire Festival. “Fahrenheit” has featured a number of fire artists, sculptors and performers from across Ontario, Canada, and the U.S., culminating in a daytime display of specially-created structures and a final nighttime “performing of the fire”.
According to the festival co-organizers (the ‘Control . Burn’ collective) “fire sculpture is fleeting, kinetic and encompasses a singular moment that cannot be restaged. It is a performative medium where the lasting value is created beforehand in the spectator’s eyes. The art work is only completed when it is finally torched and witnessed”.
My “fire sculpture” is influenced by the holiday season ad campaign created by Yoko Ono and John Lennon. The AK-47 is also a very significant icon in the world today. I was originally drawn to the icon/object when learning about conflict in “developing” nations and child warfare problems. This gun is on the national crests and/or flags of several countries around the world. It is also considered the most “successful” industrial object of all time. All of these concepts lead me to consider the transformative ability of the fire sculpture medium. Witnessing the cycle of impermanence can be an inspirational experience, one that makes manifest, the fluidity and transitory nature of conflict.
Click Here to read the Fahrenheit Festival Interview with Stephen Surlin from the Windsor Star, about the festival and my work.
