‘One word – stop’: Artist Sandy Walker on Hiroshima, memory and the role of art

Eighty years after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, artist Sandy Walker believes art still has the power to transform people’s perceptions. Speaking to UN News at United Nations Headquarters, Mr. Walker reflected on the influence of Hiroshima survivor and writer Tamiki Hara, whose final work, My Deepest Desire, inspired a series of ink drawings that now accompany a new edition of the text.Mr. Walker explains why he believes art can shape collective memory by first reaching individuals one by one.“When asked what Hiroshima’s message to the world today might be,” he told UN News’ Ana Carmo, “the answer is one word: stop.”