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 (GUNSHOT)
ANTICIPATED / PEACEFUL:
HEART FAILURE
LOWER RESPIRATORY
DIABETES
COVID-19
LIVER DISEASE
TUBERCULOSIS
CANCER
OLD AGE