Get ready for a thought-provoking journey as we explore an exhibition that dares to ask a profound question: What does it mean to die well?
In the heart of Ottawa, the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) presents “The Art of a Good Death”, a unique showcase that blends art, film, and interactivity to delve into the realm of palliative care. This exhibition, conceived by researcher Sarina Isenberg and a collective of Canadian artists, aims to spark conversations and challenge our perceptions.
Imagine a ghost town in the Kootenays, where artist Aimee-Rose Philibert finds inspiration amidst her five loyal dogs. Her studio, a haven of “weird, obscure art and biology,” is where she creates pieces like “Vent de Melisse” – a painting that captures the essence of a friend’s journey with Huntington’s disease and her choice for a medically assisted death. Philibert’s work, with its cool neutral tones, embodies the complex emotions of joy and heartbreak.
But here’s where it gets controversial—Isenberg, a palliative care researcher, wanted to take the academic discourse on death and make it accessible to the public. She believes that art can bridge the gap between science and humanity, and her exhibition does just that.
Over 100 submissions from across Canada poured in, each artist interpreting the concept of a “good death” through their unique lenses. The results? A coffin-shaped sculpture, a graphic novel, film stills, and even a bouquet of flowers and medical devices – all chosen by a jury of curators, scientists, and healthcare providers.
And this is the part most people miss—the exhibition also features an interactive sapling, inviting visitors to share their thoughts on how they’d like to die. This sapling will grow into a full tree, symbolizing the collective survey findings.
Alexandra Badzak, OAG’s director and CEO, emphasizes the gallery’s role in bridging art and health. She believes artists have a unique ability to make complex topics relatable, as seen in Jennifer Kershaw’s piece “In Excelsis Doughnut” – a playful take on the food requests of those facing their final days.
The six featured works offer diverse perspectives on death, but they all share a common goal: to make death more approachable. Isenberg puts it beautifully: “It provides a softer opening for a conversation that otherwise can be quite jarring to initiate.”
So, what does a good death mean to you? Is it about physical comfort, emotional peace, or something else entirely? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s embrace the art of living and dying well.
