In his sunflower series, he began by painting wilted, fallen sunflowers lying on the ground. As the series progressed, he depicted four blooming sunflowers, and with each subsequent painting, the number of sunflowers increased until they were fully blossomed. During this period, while painting the sunflowers, he was experiencing significant mental struggles, which he mentioned in a letter to his brother Theo. Through this series, he sought to express that internal battle. In the early stages, the sunflowers appear dried and crushed, representing the initial, most difficult phase of struggle. Yet, as the paintings unfold, the sunflowers begin to bloom, symbolizing the gradual journey through hardship, regaining strength, and finding light amid darkness.

 

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