Cast Iron, 2019
Cast Iron, 2019
Cast Iron, 2019
In Ammunition, Alexandra Rose transforms the familiar form of lipstick into iron castings to explore the potent connection between the mouth, speech, and power. By rendering this symbol of femininity and self-expression in a heavy, enduring material, Rose speaks to the formidable strength of voice—our most powerful tool in reshaping narratives and challenging oppression. The piece emphasizes the importance of words as weapons, the "ammunition" we carry in the ongoing struggle for visibility and change.
This work acknowledges those whose voices have been silenced, erased, or ignored, especially within marginalized communities, while calling attention to the resilience and potency of the feminine and queer voice. As a gender fluid artist, Rose recognizes the transformative power of speech within matriarchal and queer knowledge, highlighting the necessity of using one's voice with firmness and conviction. Ammunition serves both as a reminder of the influence individuals hold through their words and as a tribute to those fighting for their right to be heard.
