MORTALITY
Death is an unavoidable part of the cycle of life, yet many of us avoid accepting our own mortality. By coming to terms with the inevitability of death, it can help remind us how precious life is and teach us how to live more fully in this life. The artists in this exhibition have explored mortality in their own unique ways.
How are the artists confronting their mortal existence through these works?
How are the artists confronting their mortal existence through these works?
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CHRISTIAN DEGN PETERSEN To the Evening Star 2019 ink on paper Courtesy of the Artist CHRISTIAN DEGN PETERSEN As If the Light Never Shone 2017 ink on paper Courtesy of the Artist There is beauty to be found in these works that are generally dark in nature. Each of these pieces show themes of mysticism, death, and nature, and have symbols that represent the experience of moving from this life to the next. The star has been a fixed constant in the sky since the beginning of time and symbolizes the eternal. The skull is the part of us that houses our brain, our mind. It acts as a launching point for the spirit and visually illustrates the idea of our consciousness leaving the body. What other symbols do you see in these works? |
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RALPH HEWETT SCHOFIELD
Yalu River Dead Casson Reservoir 1954
oil on board
Gift from David and Ingrid Nemelka
War is difficult and many have a hard time reconciling what they see in times of war. This painting is a depiction of the Battle of the Yalu River during the Korean War.
What sticks out in this painting?
How might a member of the armed forces view this painting differently?
Yalu River Dead Casson Reservoir 1954
oil on board
Gift from David and Ingrid Nemelka
War is difficult and many have a hard time reconciling what they see in times of war. This painting is a depiction of the Battle of the Yalu River during the Korean War.
What sticks out in this painting?
How might a member of the armed forces view this painting differently?
DOUG WILDFOERSTER
Birthday Party 2017
watercolor on clay-coated board
Courtesy of the Artist
As we age and remember our life, we can all identify specific times that we would like to freeze. Some we want to replay, to analyze why we made that decision; some we hold close so that we never forget them. Ultimately, these are skills that help us come to terms with our own mortality.
How many moments does this painting freeze?
When you celebrate your birthday, how do you reflect on your life?
Birthday Party 2017
watercolor on clay-coated board
Courtesy of the Artist
As we age and remember our life, we can all identify specific times that we would like to freeze. Some we want to replay, to analyze why we made that decision; some we hold close so that we never forget them. Ultimately, these are skills that help us come to terms with our own mortality.
How many moments does this painting freeze?
When you celebrate your birthday, how do you reflect on your life?
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CHAUNCEY SECRIST
Even That Which is Splintered and Broken Can be Reborn in Beauty 2013 mixed media Gift of the Artist CHAUNCEY SECRIST Pyre 2017 assemblage Courtesy of the Artist What connects people regardless of religion? Pyre is an examination of death and an amalgamation of different death rituals. The materials used represent different faiths and cultures. Although each is different, they bear in common the universal idea that each of us will be confronted by our own mortality and must find ways to come to terms with that. What do you need to do in order to come to terms with mortality? |
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SRI WHIPPLE
Untitled 2015
oil on board
Courtesy of the Artist
Whipple says, “In my art I unite the masters craft and symbolic narratives with cartoon surrealism and subconscious mysticism to create esoteric metaphors for the modern human.”
How does this painting represent mortality to you?
Do you see any symbols in this piece? What do they represent?
Untitled 2015
oil on board
Courtesy of the Artist
Whipple says, “In my art I unite the masters craft and symbolic narratives with cartoon surrealism and subconscious mysticism to create esoteric metaphors for the modern human.”
How does this painting represent mortality to you?
Do you see any symbols in this piece? What do they represent?
CHRISTIAN DEGN PETERSEN
Nephilim, or An Undying Fool Influences the Deluge of Human Souls According to His Will 2018
ink on paper
Courtesy of the Artist
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