The Ottawa exhibition asking Canadians how they'd like to die
Arts (https://www.cbc.ca/arts)
At OAG, The Art of a Good Death brings palliative-care research into the public realm through painting, film, and an interactive exhibit. The show, created by Ottawa researcher Sarina Isenberg with artists from across Canada, asks an unsettling question: What does it mean to die well?
At the Ottawa Art Gallery, artists turn end-of-life research into something tender, haunting, and human. The exhibition, which features works by Aimee-Rose Philibert, explores the complexities of death and dying through various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and interactive installations.
One of the artworks, Vent de Melisse, is a powerful piece inspired by a close friend of the artist, Melisse, who suffered from Huntington's disease and chose a medically assisted death. Philibert's painting captures the joy and heartbreak of Melisse's final days, reflecting the emotional journey of those who have experienced similar losses.
The exhibition was born from a competition led by Isenberg, a palliative-care researcher at the University of Ottawa and Bruyère Health Research Institute. She invited artists to interpret the findings on what makes a good death, including physical comfort, emotional peace, connection, autonomy, and dignity. The goal was to bring research on death out of academic circles and into the public sphere, fostering a deeper understanding of this universal human experience.
Over 100 submissions came in from artists across nine provinces, each offering a unique perspective on death and dying. The jury, comprising curators, scientists, healthcare providers, and caregivers, selected six artworks for the show, each presenting a different approach to the idea of a good death.
One of the interactive exhibits is a sapling where visitors can share their thoughts on how they'd like to die. This sapling will then transform into a full tree in the gallery, with each leaf, flower, and fruit symbolizing the survey findings, creating a tangible representation of the public's perspective on death.
The exhibition aims to bridge the gap between art and health, making complex topics more accessible to the public. Artists like Jennifer Kershaw have created pieces that explore the importance of food and comfort in the final moments of life, offering a delightful and slightly ironic take on the subject.
The Art of a Good Death exhibition runs until January 11 at the Ottawa Art Gallery (50 Mackenzie King Bridge) in Ottawa. It promises to be a thought-provoking and emotional experience, inviting visitors to reflect on their own perspectives on death and dying.
