The “A Graceful Death Exhibition”: Portraits and Words from the End of Life

Antonia Rolls

doi:10.3390/socsci4030598

Abstract

This article discusses the lack of knowledge and awareness that hampers end of life experiences, for both the dying and those left behind. It draws on personal experiences, and explores working creatively with dying people, using observations, painting and writing to communicate ideas. Asking the dying to tell us and show us what it is like is very successful in raising awareness, and the article concludes that less separation within our communities from the dying would normalise the process and lessen the fear.

Highlights

This article discusses the lack of knowledge and awareness that hampers end of life experiences, for both the dying and those left behind
It draws on personal experiences, and explores working creatively with dying people, using observations, painting and writing to communicate ideas
Asking the dying to tell us and show us what it is like is very successful in raising awareness, and the article concludes that less separation within our communities from the dying would normalise the process and lessen the fear

Summary

Introduction

This article discusses the lack of knowledge and awareness that hampers end of life experiences, for both the dying and those left behind. In only one case where I was asked to come to paint and interview, was the person too ill when I arrived, either to know that I was there, or to speak to me.

Results

Conclusion