Two-channel
HD video; color, stereo sound, 08:45 minutes
Most
religions and philosophies have much to offer on how to live and what happens after
we die, yet almost none have any guidance for the moment of transition. Which is odd, because no event will be more
momentous in our existence. But is
preparing for this even possible?
Inspired by
a few near-death experiences of my own, I decided to find out. One video channel explores
anticipated/peaceful passing, while the other confronts the
unexpected/violent. Each episode is
comprised of the most common forms of death experienced in the modern developed
world.
While I
strove for accuracy in experiencing the symptoms and conditions, the work is
less concerned with “acting” and more with exploring what emotions or thoughts
may arise – both for me and the viewer.
UNEXPECTED/VIOLENT:
HEART ATTACK
SLIP AND
FALL
STROKE
BLEEDING
CHOKING
POISONING
VEHICLE
IMPACT
OVERDOSE
FIRE (SMOKE
INHALATION)
MASS
CASUALTY
ANTICIPATED / PEACEFUL:
HEART
FAILURE
LOWER RESPIRATORY
DIABETES
COVID-19
LIVER
DISEASE
TUBERCULOSIS
CANCER
OLD
AGE