Amid the Cultural Revolution in China, soon followed by the May 1968 riots in France, Pierre Argillet brought the book “Poems” by Mao Zedong to Dali. Tickled, the artist decided to create eight illustrations, some of which were political satires.
Turtle Mountain shows gigantic antediluvian animals wandering amid excrement resembling the yin and yang symbols.
Horses is illustrated as petite dancing figures. The delicate figures with colorful ribbons are reminiscent of the Renaissance period. In contrast, the theme of longing for freedom is also illustrated with the energy and body language of the animals.
The 100 Flowers are shown as towering fleurs-de-lis, symbols of royalty, with people attempting to reach them.