Hello Kitty Hand Grenade from the collection of G. S.

Viewing artist Peter Gronquist Clear context

Hello Kitty Hand Grenade, 2012

Sterling silver with rose gold tint coated sculpture

7.62 x 5.08 x 7.62 cm (3.0 x 2.0 x 3.0 in)

Inv: 37

Peter Gronquist is a Portland-based sculptor who bases his work on the theme of what he calls "hyper-American culture". Gronquist's art combines neo-baroque-styled sculpture with subjects reflective of branding and our society's grim obsession with consumerism. From creating taxidermy of a deer with the Gucci antlers to moulding Hello Kitty grenades, it becomes evident how Gronquist can make something so innocent appear so immoral.

Gronquist works in a number of media to encourage the viewer themselves to deconstruct what they are really seeing. He states that "our culture puts money and violence on way too high of a pedestal. I think these days people no longer see the line between entertainment and reality." This can be seen in his work on mirrors where he combines American iconography with the theme of infinity to hint at an almost parody of the American Dream.

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