My Son My Executioner

Paul Metivier's My Son, My Executioner pays homage to the generations that continue the narrative of human history. Inspired by Donald Hall's poem of the same name during a time of great loss, Metivier's piece takes on the themes of legacy, family, death, and immortality. My Son, My Executioner acknowledges death as part of the natural process, while also illuminating the truth of human existence as a state of immortality through our genes. Though our bodies may die, we continue to exist through the traits we give to our children, yet children also serve as a symbol of decay. –Artist statement