Facing Death
An artistic photoshoot of an individual before and after their death.



To promote the acceptance of mortality and seeing the beauty of life even in death, we wish to create a photography diptych of a terminally ill person at the end of their life. One photo is taken before their death, and the other after it. This is how life and death are intertwined in an eternal cycle. The artist’s eye captures this moment and freezes it in the amber of time. Additionally, the photographed individual gazes towards a future beyond their own mortality, while simultaneously contemplating their past from another angle. Through art, these two states are transcended.

A first diptych featuring the first person has already been made by the trial project. (Pictured above: The first Facing Death photography diptych featuring Mr. Emil Bolha)*

The project explores our society's relationship to death through an artistic lens. For this project, the members of the Facing Death creative team have collaborated with the Slovenian Hospice Society.

*(Others involved with the creation of the first photography diptych included: University Medical Centre Maribor, the Kralji ulice Society for Assistance and Self-Help centre in Maribor, the Maribor Assistance and Care Centre, the Centre for Social Work Maribor, and Funeral Services Maribor.)

»Through photography art, the taboos surrounding death are challenged.«


The objective of this art project is to strengthen awareness of the end of life. Through the process, it gains participatory added value, as each member of the community working in the field of palliative care can contribute to its final form. The participants of the project are simultaneously its designers, performers, viewers, and creators of artifacts. During this creative process, different scientific, religious, professional, and artistic viewpoints begin to intertwine.




FAQs:
Are our activities ethical?


The topic of ethics is exceptionally important and has been thoroughly discussed during our regular focus group meetings. We understand that, to carry out a creative project that includes a roundtable, a photographic essay book featuring narratives from project participants and the terminally ill, and a multimedia exhibition, we will be held to the highest standards of inclusivity and transparency of all parties directly and indirectly involved, with their full written consent.

The profile of a terminally ill individual:


We are looking for terminally ill individuals who love art and are interested in participating in the project. They must be of sound mind and must decide to collaborate with us willingly, without external pressure. They must do so publicly, using their full name and surname. We are open to collaborating with anyone, regardless of age or gender. As such, all terminally ill individuals have the right to be informed of the possibility of collaboration.





The photoshoot




1.    THE FIRST PART OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY DIPTYCH

We ask you to take your time before deciding to take part in this project. Please, think about it and talk to your loved ones. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact experts affiliated with the Slovenian Hospice Society and the Facing Death creative team. Should you choose to collaborate with us, you will be asked to give your written consent. Should you choose not to collaborate with us, the decision will in no way affect your care or the assistance you receive.





2.    ACCOMPANYING YOU DURING YOUR TIME OF ILLNESS

– Preparing for a photoshoot for the second part of the photography diptych.

With your permission, we will accompany you during your time of illness, which will give us time to learn more about your life, your story, and your attitude toward illness. This also involves preparations for the photoshoot that constitutes the second part of the photography diptych.





3.    THE SECOND PART OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY DIPTYCH and other activities upon the end of your life.

Upon your death, we will ask your loved ones to contact the competent person of the Slovenian Hospice Society. We are aware that for your relatives, this is a very difficult period that needs to be approached with great sensitivity. Therefore, we thank them in advance for their courage and cooperation.





4.    AFTER THE PHOTOSHOOT

If your loved ones might need additional support, they can always consult our team and the members of the Slovenian Hospice Society. Participating in the project offers the advantage of being able to discuss topics important to you and express your feelings about them at any time.