According to his wife China Kong, after shooting himself "he lived for forty-five minutes, in a state of clarity and ecstasy that was, for me, unimaginable. He spoke nearly continuously, recounting people, places, and plans. Finally, the room seemed to fill with light, and he died".
[about White of the Eye (1987)] I painted it as best I can, and if art is to be involved at all, you hope that some kind of energy or sincerity will result in some kind of revelation.
