You are either for us or against us

Once in Mexico at the biennale, I encountered a poignant moment that would etch itself into my memory. A grandfather stood by with his curious grandson beside him, their eyes on my controversial painting—a pac

fier with a bullet perched ominously atop it. The young boy, with innocence only children possess, asked if I could explain this odd pairing.

"It's because every human that was shot was someone's baby," I replied, aiming to seed understanding even at a tender age. The grandfather gazed at me, nodding slowly. "I have a lot to speak with my grandchild about," he reflected, wisdom heavy in his voice.

In those few words lay a truth that transcends time and borders. Young or old, baby or grown-up—everyone was once someone's cherished child. The pacifier in my painting symbolizes humanity, representing every soul yet to face the tumultuous journey of life. It is heavy with the weight of innocence lost, countered by the relentless presence of the bullet, an emblem of violence that knows no alliance or reason.

War or peace, the accessibility of weapons continues unabated. The bullet, heavier than the gentle pacifier, signifies the imbalance—the children, voiceless in the noise of conflict. Yet, in the reflection, roles are reversed: those who wield violence find their actions mirrored back, haunted forever by the specter of a lost child. The truth remains: you are either for peace or you align with the force that steals hope and future. Although sometimes you unfortunately have to resort to bullets precisely to get peace.