Metropolis Japan

Jörgen Axelvall “Most likely, the flames will destroy themselves” Part. 2

Nov 08, 2024 at 12:00am ~ Nov 30, 2024 at 8:00pm

LOWW will host an exhibition featuring Tokyo-based Swedish photographer and artist Jörgen Axelvall. This exhibition is the second part of the series “Most Likely, the Flames Will Destroy Themselves,” following the first part held at Ken Nakahashi Gallery.

Axelvall’s visit to Ōkunoshima—where Japan secretly developed chemical weapons during WWII—offered insights into the complex legacy of Fritz Haber, the Nobel-winning chemist who discovered synthetic ammonia. While initially intended for agricultural fertilizer, his invention also enabled the production of explosives, influencing both human progress and immense destruction.

Born Jewish but converted to Christianity, Haber developed poison gas for Germany during WWI, convinced it was a humane approach to reduce casualties. Yet, his work eventually led to the creation of Zyklon B, later used by the Nazis in the Holocaust.