Sunflowers

Photograph of a painting of sunflowers with real leaves in front.

Dried leaves on paper that form a sunflower.

Artist: Danielle Landry
Year: pre-2010
Medium: Dried leaves on paper; Photograph
Artist Statement: CAMH’s decision to beautify the exterior of their drab cement walls with photographs of sunflowers, rather than something natural, such as growing real flowers, is telling. Rather than put in the effort to nurture, care for and maintain something real, a quick fix solution is adopted to mask what isn’t acceptable. I find their approach to landscaping reflective of their approach to treatment; medicate rather than dedicate the time and resources necessary to provide ‘clients’ with proper care. In response, I’ve made my own sunflower, out of things that grow naturally.