Golly Bard, I heard a fly buzz
It's hard to believe, but only ten days after we buried Emma, the dog of Seba's mother
died from a heart attack. Alpha was a 12 year old French bull terrier, whose health
quickly deteriorated in the past few days largely due to the relentless heat
quickly deteriorated in the past few days largely due to the relentless heat
of this crazy Tuscan summer (and the inherent problems of this breed).
Emma & Alpha, April 2012
The sudden disappearance of these two beloved faithful companions
(in addition to the death of my grandmother a month ago), has brought out
not just sadness and grief, but also an heightened sense of the fragility
(in addition to the death of my grandmother a month ago), has brought out
not just sadness and grief, but also an heightened sense of the fragility
and impermanence of life. Hence, I was compelled to explore the subject
and assemble this collection of contemporary vanitas for Animalarium.
While I am usually not drawn to macabre imagery, these artwork's
unflinching look at death strongly resonates with me right now.
Also, keeping myself busy helps me to cope with the loss!
Walton Ford, Baba B.G.
Lindsey Carr, Spoils of war
Kathleen Lolley, Can't let go
Olaf Hajek, Dead bird
Francisco Toledo, Muerte grillo
Jan Fabre, Skull
Marc Burkhardt, Resurrection
In the end, this to me is a reminder to live life as fully as possible,
appreciating the beauty and mystery of the here and now...
