Art in Heaven 2017

Zoe (12)

Blackheath High School

Thich Quang Duc

The theme I have chosen is ‘Standing Up For Good’. My artwork depicts the Buddhist monk, Thich Quang Duc. On 11TH June 1963, at age 67, Thich Quang Duc sat down in the lotus position at a busy crossroads in Saigon, doused himself in petrol, lit a match and burned himself to death in protest against the South Vietnam government and their persecution of Buddhist. What is truly stunning about this, however, is that not once as he was being burned alive did he scream or cry out. Just before he sacrificed himself, he said: “Before closing my eyes and moving towards the vision of the Buddha, I respectfully plead to President Ngo Dinh Diem to take a mind of compassion towards the people of the nation and implement religious equality to maintain the strength of the homeland eternally. I call the venerables, reverends, members of the sangha and the lay Buddhists to organise in solidarity to make sacrifices to protect Buddhism.” His final plea was for his religion, showing complete devotion and compassion – no easy feat. I find it truly inspirational that this holy man would sacrifice everything in his selfless act, knowing he wouldn’t be able to witness the good he had caused or see any loved ones again.

When creating my artwork, I first created a rough outline in pencil, then filled in with intricate watercolours. I really tried to capture the intensity of the flame, and the peacefulness of his face as he accept this decision.