Daniel ManginIs there a Border? Someone to Hate?, 2006 · €2,000
(from the “Open your mind” series)
Oil on canvas · 97 × 162 cm · France

A border can be natural, like the Pyrenees between France and Spain, but also virtual, completely arbitrary, like between France and Belgium. Nevertheless, beyond it, it's always "the enemy." There would be no line on the map, the people would be the same. But there is a line. So, on the other side, it's the enemy. This concept is illustrated by a black-and-white contrast, with an approaching shape, which we guess but don't identify. So we take out our weapons to kill. Not to defend ourselves. To kill. This painting was used as a set in a TV movie ("Un si joli mensonge," France Télévision).