Occisus (Beveren Belgium 1990)
In the botanical garden of Hof ter Saksen (Beveren), all names of herbs and plants are indicated on signs with their Latin and Dutch names. Pierre Mertens placed similar signs in the opposite lawn with people who have been murdered or died throughout history, victims of the authorities or of their ideals. The cause of death is stated like the herbs in Latin. Oscar Romero, 1980 San Salvardo “Occisus”; Jan Palach 1969 Praha “Auto Deflagratio”; Thomas Moore 1535 London “Amputatus Caput”; Socrates <339 A.D. Athens “Poculum Mortis”; Thomas Becket 1170 Canterbury “Occisus”; …/… but also his daughter who died of medical arrogance: Liesje Mertens 1989 Antwerp “Superbia Medicorum”.
