Art for Peace: Transforming Guns into Symbols of Unity

3 min readApr 7, 2020

In the realm of artistic expression, I, Keyvan Shovir, have found a unique way to blend my passion for art with a powerful social commentary. My latest work, created for the ‘Art of Peace’ project, is a profound statement on gun violence and the transformative power of art.

From Weapons to Artistic Expression

In this project, I engaged with dismantled guns and bullets, materials that are stark reminders of violence. My goal was to repurpose these symbols of destruction into something meaningful and thought-provoking. This experience was especially significant for me, having never handled a gun before. The decision to participate in the Art of Peace project was a careful one, driven by my desire to make a statement about peace and unity.

“Simorgh”: A Symbol of Resurrection

The artwork I created, named “Simorgh” — roughly translating to “30 birds” — is an installation comprising 30 hand- and machine-made birdhouses formed from pieces of guns. Painted white and rising towards the sky, adorned with silk flowers sprouting from gun barrels, the piece symbolizes unity and the ascension of the human soul, akin to the Phoenix rising from ashes.

Personal Motivations and the Bigger Picture

This project holds personal significance, as it resonates with my experiences and reflections on gun laws and the history of violence. The tragedy involving my friends, members of The Yellow Dogs band, only deepened my resolve to use my art as a medium for social commentary and a call for peace.

The Art of Peace: A Collective Endeavor

The Art of Peace project, inspired by the tragic loss of Robby Poblete, is a collective endeavor by artists to address gun violence creatively. By transforming weapons into artworks, we aim to shift the narrative from despair to hope, from destruction to creation.

Explore More and Join the Conversation

I invite you to explore this unique intersection of art and social cause. Learn more about my journey in transforming these symbols of violence into messages of peace at Keyvan Shovir’s Official Website. Join me in this artistic mission to foster unity and inspire change.