Two Birds, One Stone by Teddy Hansen

Mixed media on canvas.
2024

This painting is part of FATHERLAND, an exhibition by Teddy Hansen.

Maybe Danish people are happy because they are efficient?

To kill two birds with one stone means to achieve two things at once and to work efficiently, something the Danes are known for. The painting shows the two birds killed; the birds’ heads are Albatross skulls—the most efficient birds when flying. A common way to kill a bird is to break or wring its neck, and thus, the diamond ring around their necks symbolises killing both birds with one stone.

A classic tale of efficiency and quick thinking is the story of David and Goliath. On the bird’s back, you see David slaying Goliath with a stone flung from his sling.