Artist Statement — Art as Conversation
“The Right to Carry,” is a mural that ventures beyond mere artistic expression to serve as a poignant commentary on the escalating crisis of gun violence in America. As a survivor of a school shooting, my journey through college has been significantly shaped by my personal quest for healing. This artwork emerges from that transformative experience, aiming to advocate for critical changes in gun legislation.
Set against the backdrop of a funeral procession, the mural captures a moment frozen in time—a somber scene that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, each affected by gun violence. At the forefront of the composition, the figures of a woman and a Black man are intentionally blurred. This artistic choice seeks to depersonalize the pain, suggesting that the grief and demand for change are universal, shared by many rather than isolated to individuals. These figures stand not just as mourners, but as symbols of the broader call for action—voices from communities that have endured too many losses.
Central to the scene is a casket, a stark emblem of the ultimate price paid by countless lives. It is not merely a representation of death, but a profound reminder of the irreversible losses that communities suffer due to legislative inaction. The casket's prominent placement in the mural is designed to confront viewers with the tangible consequences of gun violence, compelling a visceral response and fostering a reflective mindset.
Encircling the casket, vibrant flowers burst through the otherwise muted palette of the procession. These flowers—intensely colored and alive—contrast sharply with the greys and blacks that dominate the scene, symbolizing bursts of hope amidst overwhelming grief. They represent not only the memory of those lost, but also the potential for rebirth and positive change that could stem from reformed gun laws. This floral motif reinforces the mural’s message of resilience, suggesting that from the depths of despair can spring forth new growth and legislative progress.
The funeral procession depicted in the mural does more than mourn the deceased; it unites those left behind in a shared vision of a safer future. This collective aspect of the mural reflects Merrill College Community’s commitment to inclusivity and mutual understanding. It calls on viewers to recognize their part in a larger community, one that crosses cultural and social boundaries in the face of shared tragedies.
By presenting "The Right to Carry," I intend to channel personal trauma into a catalyst for social advocacy, transforming a narrative of individual suffering into a powerful collective demand for change. The mural invites viewers to engage with the harsh realities of gun violence and consider their role in advocating for and implementing legislative reforms. It is designed not just to move the audience emotionally but to motivate them to action, serving as a reminder that art can be a formidable force in societal transformation.
In summary, this mural is not merely a piece of art; it is a declaration of resilience, a communal expression of loss, and a hopeful plea for compassion and legislative change. Through the vivid imagery of the funeral and the symbolic use of color, "The Right to Carry" seeks to inspire reflection, provoke dialogue, and ignite a quest for a future where such tragedies are no longer a common reality.
