Why pansies, or flowers as art?
I noted floral memorials and felt that I wanted to alter the experience of locations in a similar way, though I was aware at this point that my experience was relatively minor compared to a death as a result of a road accident, so felt a small living unmarked flower would be appropriate. A pansy was perfect due to its associations with gayness and the fact that they are so called after the French verb Pense – to think as they bow their ‘heads’ as in deep thought, hence their association with thoughtful or sensitive men pansies. I see that objects recontextualised and represented are a really accessible way of communicating an idea. The idea seems to have great resonance with people – where has it been commissioned? I am pleased that the idea seems to have resonance, I think that a gay audience connects with it as it may reflect some experiences (though not all gay people have had similar experiences), for me the fact that the general public feels empathy is really powerful. I recently
