BROTHERS IN ARMS
Is war child’s play?
Brothers In Arms, 2016
Resin, steel and enamel paint
Unique work
H300 x W400 x D400cm (framework)
H240 x W100 x D90cm (statue)
© Mark Humphrey
CLIENT
Canary Wharf Group
COLLABORATORS
Corps of Royal Engineers (British Army)
Ministry of Defence
Royal Engineers Museum
CHARITIES
The Royal British Legion
Combat Stress
LOCATION
Canary Wharf Estate, Canary Wharf, London, UK
“BROTHERS IN ARMS BRINGS TWO TOMMY SOLDIERS FROM THE EVERY ONE REMEMBERED MOULDS INTO THE WORLD OF THE AIRFIX MODEL KIT. CAST IN GREY, THEY RECALL THE CHILDHOOD RITUAL OF MAKING MILITARY MODELS AND TURNING WAR INTO SOMETHING SMALL, COLLECTABLE AND CONTROLLABLE.
ONE CUT-OUT AND GLUED SOLDIER STANDS OUTSIDE THE MODEL FRAME, PROUD AND REFLECTIVE, HIS EYES CLOSED AND HIS KIT LEFT UNCUT. HIS WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE FRAME, AS THOUGH HE HAS CHOSEN TO LEAVE WAR BEHIND. THE OTHER SOLDIER REMAINS UNTOUCHED INSIDE HIS FRAME – BRAND NEW, COMPLETE AND READY TO BE MADE.
THE RED BASE EVOKES BOTH POPPY FIELDS AND BLOODIED LANDS. WHAT BEGINS AS A CHILDHOOD MODEL BECOMES A CONFRONTATION WITH THE REALITY OF WAR AND BLOODSHED – WAR IS NO LONGER A GAME.”
Mark Humphrey
