"Each bomb has its own story. Which is essentially one of two kinds. Bombs may explode and thus fulfill their role as objects made specifically for the purpose of destruction, and then enter history books and the personal histories that families maintain.  Zsold Astalos in his turn looks into the other possible story in an installation he has prepared for the 55th International Art Exhibition in Venice: The story of the malfunctioning device(unexploded bomb) as it leaves behind its original function, assumes a life of its own, starts writing a narrative, becomes a director of our lives through the  contingency it introduces."
This installation had the biggest impact on me during my time at the Biennale.  The title Fired but Unexploded says alot about the exhibit itself, but its the whole sensory experience of the installation that really makes you think.  Having photos of bombs on television screens, with earphones of sounds where the bombs landed without exploding, really makes you think about the destruction bombs create, and the lives that they destroy.  In the center of the pavillion is a video with no sound of all of the sounds you hear from the bombs, which adds another element to the whole The one that had the most impact on me was the very last television set.  The sound you hear when looking at the bomb is of a baby's room, playing rock-a-bye baby.  It really makes you think, and I think the overall message of this installation is understood.  The final thing you see when walking out the exit are photos of all of the bombs, with when and where they would have landed.  Overall this exhibit made me think, and I think that this work was one of my favorites at the Biennale.  I could write on and on about this work, but hearing and seeing this exhibit in person puts into perspective, and makes you think, which is why I think this work is effective. 



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