As a piece of protest art, this installation entitled ‘Lives Over Guns’ was installed outside of a Philadelphia high school by YOMI, a street artist. The installation shows a young child laid out on the sidewalk, becoming a victim to two gun shot in the head. YOMI’s installation was a response to the violent mass shooting at Parkland High School in Florida. The Parkland shooting became one that further escalated the political fight against guns and one that called for greater and expansive gun control by the federal government. YOMI’s purpose was to “continue the conversation between students, teachers, and parents about stricter gun laws and school safety” and to protest against the ineffective federal policies that are majorly supported by the NRA (“Powerful New Installation.. ‘Lives Over Guns’”).
This installation by YOMI is one that still connects to the political nature of our country. Due to the ineffective and destructive actions done by the federal government, there have been 47 school shootings in 2025 alone, with half being on college campuses and the others in K-12 schools. No child should become victim to such violence in the places that are supposed to protect and support them.
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