Back To Business

Back To Business is an art installation that focuses on the resilience of individuals living in war-torn regions who are compelled to rebuild their lives amidst the aftermath of war. The installation centers around recreated bullet-riddled shutters, representing the tenacity of those facing limited resources as they strive to rebuild their communities.

To visually convey this concept, Boccanegra covers the bullet holes on the shutters with empty bullet casings transformed into rectangular plates. These golden-colored scars serve as a stark reminder of the dark and turbulent past these shutters and their owners have endured.

The six shutters in the installation were crafted from bullet-riddled metal plates collected by the artist in Mosul, Iraq, in April 2021. The city's residents have been gradually rebuilding in the aftermath of the catastrophic battle that occurred in 2017, which tragically claimed the lives of more than 10,000 civilians. The patterns and color combinations of the shutters are inspired by the original designs witnessed by Boccanegra during his previous visits to the region.

Back To Business serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who, despite the devastation they have experienced, refuse to be defeated. The installation prompts reflection on the enduring spirit of humanity, highlighting the courage and persistence of those rebuilding their lives and communities in the aftermath of war.