Impermanence

“Impermanence” was the art exhibition from which the theatre piece, “Heaven Forbid – a little peek at death”, evolved. The artwork that was created for the exhibition was a direct reaction to organising the funerals of our parents during the decade before.   Certain practices appeared to be followed without question and it was that aspect that I wished to challenge.

One of those elements seemed to be the unnecessarily expensive cost of flowers on the top of the casket for what is a very brief period.  In my mind this could not be justified.  The “casket cushion” was a solution to that problem.  The work could be seen along the same lines as a christening robe.  Passed from one generation to another.  The cushion sits on a mat which straddles the coffin.  Along the sides of the mat are pockets for the mourners to leave messages of condolence.  On each of those pockets is printed writings by family members.  These range from snippets of published pieces, handwritten recipes, and pieces of poems, giving a timelessness to the work.   The cushion also has a bag and container to conserve it for use into the future.

The work is made from hemp silk and linen, dyed with natural dyes.  It is the “permanent solution” to a very “impermanent” problem. 

Thankfully – it is yet to be used!