Claude Jones

Mustering the madness is a response to the ongoing insanity of the relaxed gun laws in the USA. The installation reflects on Australia’s effective weapons round-up, whilst questioning why America cannot do the same.

Modelled on toy guns, with soft colours, glossy surfaces and floral decorations, this gun pile-up serves as a poignant reminder of the many children lost to, and involved in, mass shootings. It also speaks to the ubiquitous presence of guns – in computer games, in the media, in film, television, in toyshops and for some, in reality. The question of whether our early and ongoing exposure to gun violence inspires violent behaviour in real life is a hotly contested topic, however, even when there is not enough evidence to support this connection, the question remains - why violence?