Butterfly sculptures forged from bullet fragments debut in Phoenix
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"Resillience" debuted at the Phoenix Art Museum on Monday. Photo: Jared Platt via Butterfly Art Collective
Seven butterfly sculptures, constructed in part with bullet fragments, debuted at the Phoenix Art Museum this week as a somber and powerful reminder of the community resilience that emerged after the nation's deadliest mass shootings.
Why it matters: The butterflies, which each reflect a different mass casualty event, symbolize "overcoming adversity and embracing change," according to Butterfly Art Collective.
Driving the news: Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who was shot while holding a "Congress on Your Corner" constituent event outside of Tucson in 2011, unveiled the art pieces in Phoenix Monday night.
How it works: The collective created 25 pairs of sculptures, each reflecting one of the nation's 25 deadliest mass shootings.
- One of each sculpture will be permanently installed in the community of its corresponding shooting and the mates will travel on display across the country and eventually be purchased by a collector.
- Proceeds will support organizations working to end gun violence.
Zoom in: The seven pieces on display in Phoenix reflect the tragedies from Sandy Hook Elementary; Columbine High School; Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas; Binghamton; Thousand Oaks; Killeen; and Washington Navy Yard.
- Each is made of soft resin and embedded with items visible at the shootings and shredded bullet casings associated with the weapons used — "an act of transforming an object of lethal violence into fragmentary reminders of the beauty of resilience," per the collective.
What's next: The installation, titled "Resilience" will be moved to another not-yet-announced location soon, according to spokesperson Esabella Rojas.