A major solo show of Al Farrow‘s sculptures, Divine Ammunition, opens at Bellevue Arts Museum this Friday, December 16. Farrow made a splash with a solo show at the Forum Gallery at Seattle Fair 2015, and he’s already much adored by many artists who respect the painstaking craft he uses. Farrow is known internationally for sculpting miniature mosques, mausoleums, cathedrals, temples, etc out of bullets, guns and bones. From BAM:
[Farrow’s] striking composite depictions of religious architectural structures are meticulously realized and perfectly scaled. Each work gives new meaning to its materials. Gun-barrel towers and domes built of bullets not only compel the viewer to consider the present, but also recall the history of conflict. The artist’s material choices may be jarring, but they also provoke awe and inspire reflection.
With so much to unpack—especially at a time when religious fundamentalism is a hot topic—hearing from the artist may be helpful. This Saturday, December 17, BAM hosts a talk with the artist. In their statement, they point out that Farrow “denigrates no one belief,” but is “discriminating and probing toward all.” He has spent much time reflecting and creating in response to the lethality of dogmatism, and so like the work itself, we expect his talk will be challenging and illuminating.
Al Farrow Artist Talk for Divine Ammunition
When: Saturday, December 17 from noon to 2pm
Where: Bellevue Arts Museum (510 Bellevue Way NE)
$5/members, $10/non-members. Includes talk and gallery admission. Register online.
Featured Image: Al Farrow, “Bombed Mosque.” Photo by Jock McDonald, John Wilson White and John Westhafer, courtesy of Catharine Clark Gallery.