I DON'T CARE BEAR

Spray paint, Acrylic on Canvas,
90cm x 90cm,
framed with Tasmanian Oak
 
This artwork like most of my more recent works criticises the US. Featuring underlying themes of gun violence, greed, mass consumption and loss of innocence.
 
It's no secret that the United States has a bit of a gun problem.
 
Carebears are a focal point in this piece - a direct link to the loss of innocence and yearning for wholesomeness as well as the commodification of the world we live in. After all, guns are treated like toys - mass-produced and sold, desired by all. Just like I remember my favourite Carebear growing up, I bet most Americans can tell me their favourite gun.
 
In a society that's all about accumulating more and more stuff, it's not surprising that guns are seen as just another commodity to be bought and sold. And as long as there's a market for guns, there will be people willing to supply that demand.
 
As a society, we need to challenge the culture that glorifies guns and sees them as a symbol of power. It also means taking on the capitalist system that commodifies everything, including human lives.
 
But in the end, there is a lack of empathy and compassion for one another and greater importance placed on individualism that outshines community safety - financially and physically.
 
The attitude in the States that I see is to turn a blind eye, keep consuming, keep polishing your guns and counting your money -  "Let the good times roll"