Put Sunflower Seeds in Your Pocket So They Grow When You Die
國殤
Oil, acrylic, ash, sunflower seeds (in shellac), cement, plaster, bronze, and iron on canvas
114 x 162cm, 2022
Put Sunflower Seeds in Your Pocket So They Grow When You Die (detail)
June 22, 2022
About Beauty
Since February 24, the Ukraine war has been a frequent topic of discussion at the dinner table. Gradually, I crafted a story based on historical facts to entertain my friends whenever the subject of Ukraine arose.
The story goes like this:
During World War II, as the Nazis advanced towards Paris, the French decided to surrender without engaging in extensive combat. This news incited a furious response from Winston Churchill, who vehemently expressed his frustration to the French over the phone, exclaiming, “You still have so many troops, why stop fighting?” The French responded, “To preserve Paris, for the city will endure beyond us.”
As the war neared its conclusion, Adolf Hitler, facing defeat, issued an order to General Choltitz, the commander of Nazi-occupied Paris, instructing him to burn the city to the ground. However, before Choltitz could carry out this devastating command, the puppet mayor of Paris took him to a balcony overlooking the city and fervently implored, “Please look at it one more time before you destroy it!” Moved by the sight, the Nazi general defied his Führer’s order.