
“Fragility” acrylic glass rifle by @vancraelingen | Photo by @shotbysud | Model: @hellenafoxx
“Fragility”
In "Fragility" the M4 rifle is transformed into something unexpected—transparent, almost delicate, and perhaps even alluring. Made from clear acrylic with hints of soft color, it invites viewers to see it as an object of beauty and curiosity. At first glance, its material and color make it appear like a harmless, almost toy-like sculpture. But behind this aesthetic façade lies the silhouette of one of the most iconic and dangerous weapons of modern warfare.
The Power of Transparency
The transparency of the acrylic allows the rifle’s shape to float, almost disappearing depending on the angle. This creates a sense of mystery and untouchability. For many, seeing an M4 rifle up close is a rare, almost alien experience—something most people associate with faraway conflicts or images in the media. By presenting it in this transparent form, the object is simultaneously familiar yet distant, transforming into an enigma.
Attractive but Dangerous
The rifle, rendered in translucent soft tones, becomes something inviting, even beautiful to look at. There’s a tension here—a conflict between its visual appeal and the reality of what it is: a weapon designed for destruction. The inviting color and smooth acrylic glass draw you in, but the real-life counterpart is immensely dangerous. This contrast between attraction and menace forms the core of the piece’s message.
Controversy in Contemplation
Holding or examining the rifle becomes an act of contemplation. Viewers are forced to reconcile the beauty of the object with the violence it represents. Playing with our perceptions of what is desirable, untouchable, and dangerous.
Photos by: @shotbysud
Model: @hellenafoxx
Limited edition
5 pieces + 2 E.A.
Comes with a transparent acrylic stand.
“Fragility” acrylic glass rifle by @vancraelingen | Photo by @shotbysud | Model: @hellenafoxx
