Sculptor Unveils 2,000-Pound White House Made of Bullets

In a striking display at the Catherine Clark Gallery in San Francisco, artist Al Farrow has unveiled a remarkable 2,000-pound replica of the White House, constructed entirely from bullets and gun parts. This intricate sculpture, weighing over 900 kilograms, serves as a powerful commentary on the intersection of politics and violence. The piece, originally created in 2018, has returned to public view as part of the Fall of Freedom series, which encompasses art and protest actions nationwide.

Farrow’s sculpture, titled simply “White House,” features a rust-colored finish that evokes a sense of decay. The work is currently priced at $500,000 and showcases Farrow’s skillful use of repurposed materials, including shell casings and glass. During a special viewing on November 21, 2023, Farrow spoke about the renewed relevance of his work in light of contemporary political events, particularly under the second term of former President Donald Trump.

Art as a Reflection of Political Climate

Farrow, who resides in San Rafael, just north of San Francisco, noted that the inspiration for this piece dates back to the presidency of George W. Bush. However, he paused the project during the optimism of Barack Obama‘s administration. The election of Trump in 2016 reignited his drive to complete the sculpture. “I believe the White House is more relevant now than when I made it,” Farrow remarked during a phone interview with Hyperallergic.

The dimensions of the replica were influenced by the barrels of machine guns, with 18 barrels used to create its columns. Farrow emphasized that he does not engage with firearms personally, stating, “I don’t own guns. I’ve always been the social commentary artist.” His work frequently addresses the relationship between religion and violence, as seen in previous sculptures that depict religious buildings constructed from munitions.

The artist also expressed concern about the current political climate and the implications it has for artistic expression. “We’re really facing a steep decline,” he said, highlighting the increasing fear of censorship in today’s society.

Symbolism and Artistic Intent

Originally painted black, Farrow chemically rusted the White House model to symbolize the corrosion of democracy. “That rust is symbolic of the degeneration of the presidency in our system,” he explained. Farrow, in his mid-80s, continues to work on new projects, recently completing a sculpture of a violin crafted from handguns and a shotgun. This piece critiques the parallels between Israel’s actions in Gaza and the Holocaust.

Farrow’s artistic journey began in the 1970s, and he has since created numerous significant works that challenge societal norms. “White House” stands as one of his original secular concepts and the largest sculpture he has produced in recent years. The artist encourages viewers to question the societal implications of violence and the political landscape, asserting that art should provoke thought and dialogue.

As the sculpture remains on display indefinitely at the Catherine Clark Gallery, it continues to resonate with audiences, inviting reflection on the state of democracy and the role of art in activism. Farrow’s work not only showcases his artistic prowess but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles within the political sphere.