The painting explores the idea of “lying flat”, which is about surviving with minimal effort, a passive and powerless protest against “involution”. I painted a single figure lying flat in the centre facing the audience, surrounded by numerous people climbing a mountain. I merged them into the mountain, making them appear unshakable, hinting at the fact that the movement ultimately becomes an aspiration for an easier lifestyle, but one that the majority of people cannot afford to practice.
The painting explores the idea of “lying flat”, which is about surviving with minimal effort, a passive and powerless protest against “involution”. I painted a single figure lying flat in the centre facing the audience, surrounded by numerous people climbing a mountain. I merged them into the mountain, making them appear unshakable, hinting at the fact that the movement ultimately becomes an aspiration for an easier lifestyle, but one that the majority of people cannot afford to practice.