[Chae Tongyull] Daffodil #7

This collection is inspired by English author D.H. Lawrence’s short story by the same name, a favorite of young Chae during his schoolboy years. The story tells of an innocent child named Paul who tries to help his financially struggling mother by compulsively riding a rocking horse until he can predict the winning horses for actual races. Paul ultimately wins, but at a tragic cost. “Rocking Horse Winner” explores themes of 20th century class struggle, social mobility, and the “fall from grace” of families that once had it all. For a young Chae, whose own family lost everything after the Korean war, this story holds special meaning. In "Rocking Horse Winner," the four NFTs—Daffodil, Lancelot, Mirza, and Malabar—are named after the “winning” horses from the short story and carry a distinctly somber blue tone. Each piece reflects Chae's personal experiences and underscores the D.H. Lawrence’s themes of luck, futile efforts, and the tragic pursuit of wealth.