How do we benefit from the ways in which the arts use death, and the affirmation of life, as subject matter?
For this blog respond to these two prompts:
How do we benefit from the ways in which the arts use death, and the affirmation of life, as subject matter? Choose a poem, song, piece of art or film and describe how the piece you chose enriches your understanding of mortality? (you may choose from the list below –scroll down—or find your own)
Comment on the artwork and fill in the blank…. “Before I die I want to__________
After losing a friend, Taiwanese-American artist Chang
expressed her grief in a simple yet transformative way, writing “Before I die I want to _____.” on the wall of an abandoned New Orleans building. Within 24 hours, the wall was filled with personal aspirations, hopes and goals — everything from “be myself completely” to “see equality for all.” The project, illuminating the precious nature of life in an empowering and optimistic manner, has been recreated in over 500 cities and over 70 countries, including Iraq, China, Haiti, Brazil, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and South Africa. (Frank, 2017)
graffiti
Photo Credit: Trevor Coe – Savannah, GA
Options for Art/Poems/Music for Prompt #1
Frank, P. 2017. A brief history of artists dealing with death. Huffington Post. (article with 22 piece of art reflecting on death)
Do not go gentle into that good night, Dylan Thomas (poem)
Do not go gentle into that good night, Dylan Thomas (poem) – Alternative Formats
Because I could not stop for death, Emily Dickinson (poem)
Because I could not stop for death, Emily Dickinson (poem) – Alternative Formats
Watch Video
Bambi Mom Dies 🙁
Duration: 2:47
User: n/a – Added: 8/27/16
20 songs about death. Billboard