"When violence comes, you can turn brutal or choose another way," says Ralph Ziman. He chose art. His monumental installations of rifles, military vehicles and warplanes seek to heal, not harm.

Los Angeles

Ralph Ziman, an artist originally from South Africa, creates large-scale installations that reinterpret military symbols as works of art to foster dialogue about violence. His project, 'Weapons of Mass Production,' features replicas of an AK-47, a Casper armored vehicle, and a MiG-21 fighter jet, all covered in millions of glass beads crafted by African artisans.

Each piece in the series represents a different aspect of violence, from gun proliferation to state militarization. Ziman's transformation of objects of war into art aims to reclaim power over violence and highlight the value of traditional beadwork. Proceeds from the sale of his MiG-21 installation will support educational and art therapy initiatives.

Meet Ralph Ziman, the artist waging war with weapons against violence

South African-born artist Ralph Zeman has spent his life fighting violence, not with weapons but with art. His monumental installations reinterpret military symbols to transform them into tools for dialogue and reflection. Even as a young kid I was very much aware of the injustice. I was brought up by my parents but also very much by the African staff who worked at my house. To see the sheer brutality that the apartheid state brought down on black people to keep them in fear and suppressed really made an impression on me. Weapons of Mass Production is a three-piece art project consisting of replicas of an AK-47 assault rifle, a Casper armored personal carrier and an MiG-21 fighter jet. Each of these objects was covered with millions of glass beads crafted by African artisans. It was seen as a low craft, it was done by black people under apartheid, it was something that was sold to tourists and perceived as having very little value. I wanted to take those skills and those talents and turn it into modern contemporary art. According to the artist, each part of the project symbolizes a different dimension of violence. So the first was the AK-47, it dealt with gun violence, it dealt with the proliferation of weapons. The second in the series was the Casper, it was designed and built in South Africa in the 80s and they sold them to repressive governments around the world. So thirdly coming to the MiG-21 is the most mass-produced supersonic fighter jet of all time. Zeman believes that physical proximity to an object of war transformed into an art piece is an act of reclaiming power over violence. Each bead, hand-arranged by hundreds of artists, becomes a gesture of resistance against the militarization of the world. The whole world is on a knife edge. I think it's good to have a counter-narrative to all of this. In a world that's increasingly dangerous I think these are things we should be discussing. The MiG-21 project has garnered significant media attention. Eventually the aircraft will be sold and all proceeds will go towards funding educational programs and art therapy.

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Breakdown