collagraph
280mmX240mm
artists proof -uneditioned
The twenty first century has witnessed the development of the remotely guided drone with a lethal payload. Using this weapon, it has become possible to kill political opponents without operator risk. The United States of America, with their allies, have been at the forefront of this development, most notably in Afghanistan. Infrared images are shown in the news media of these weapons destroying a house or car containing, we are told, 'terrorists' or 'Islamists', sometimes named individuals. What are we to think when little human shadows are consumed in violent explosions in these released videos; shock and awe?
There is a certain boastfulness in these news releases. I feel uneasy that this death dealing has become 'normal' and unchallenged by other voices. To me, the ease with which these targeted individuals and anyone within blast range are assassinated devalues that human life. I recognise that it's used as an easier option than trying for a dialog of peace and I think that's shameful. Shouldn't the powerful world leaders in this century be striving to defuse conflict rather than reaching for the destroy button?
I have chosen an image which directly parallels and parodies the male member for two reasons. Firstly, I believe this kind of warfare has evolved from the inherent male dominance behaviours which have cursed civilisation for all time. Secondly, I didn't want to glamorise the technology that has created these weapons by replicating their true form. Despite the millions of dollars that have been expended on development and deployment of these weapons they are essentially no more sophisticated in their use than primitive stone age cudgels.
John Morris
