Traces

"Traces" is an exploration of the concepts of ageing, of grief and loss.

Western society and culture seems to have lost its connection with ageing and death. A combination of advances in medical science and a culture of youth have produced an environment of denial, even though ageing and death is an inevitable path that we all must take. As we have moved towards a more secular society, we have also lost some of the rituals which acknowledged this rite of passage, without always finding an alternative outlet to deal with the loss and grief.

While our lifespan has increased, this brings its own challenges around quality (as opposed to quantity) of life; not just physical but also mental aspects and especially with the growing dementia population. This adds extra complexity to how we deal with loss of a loved one, first through the loss of memory before the actual physical loss. Have we really lost our loved ones with the onset of dementia, or is it our inability to enter into their world?

The act of caring is, by its intensive nature, directly opposed to the act of letting go, not just of the person but also of the role as their carer.

The exhibition aims to start a conversation about this important stage in life and to shine a light on the lives of those often unseen.