Peanuts and Sunflower Seeds

Artist’s statement

“Huashengmi” refers to peanut kernels with their shells removed: they are, in fact, the seeds of the peanut, while the whole peanut is its fruit, a pod. They are nevertheless commonly called “peanuts.” In colloquial speech, the word can also be used as a metaphor for bullets.

“Guazi,” also called “guazier,” refers here to sunflower seeds, the fruits of the sunflower. They can be eaten as a snack, used in pastries or pressed for oil, and are described as a source of high-quality, healthy fat. In colloquial usage, “guazi” can also stand for the masses.