Death's VaseAcrylic on canvas, 2014
Death is a concept that contemporary society struggles to confront. From the awkward moment someone asks about a deceased loved one to recovering from loss, this concept is regularly avoided. Reasons such as depression, anxiety and moving on are all results that surround death but does that mean the deceased are forgotten? Memorialisation is a common method of celebrating a person's life, illustrating remembrance or a form of meditation. Flowers have an array of meanings ranging from joyous occasions such as weddings to morbid atmospheres such as funerals. None the less they are always used to celebrate life. In the mornings whilst my father lay in his coma with deaths door drawing near, my mind was flooded with images, quotes and memories. Death surrounds societies throughout history however, the notion does not become less harsh on the human condition. Lilies were a prominent image with a multitude of references arising within my thoughts through conversations I had with my father previously. Death's Vase is the embodiment of memorializing my father's passing and celebrating his life. This is illustrated through the reference to celebration seen in the flowers juxtaposing to the morbid imagery of the skull which creates a confronting image for viewers to ponder. Death is at the forefront of society, the deceased gone but never forgotten. |