Let’s Talk About Death… With Radical Care
As a part of Art Rise’s initiatives at posAbilities, in December 2024, over 60 people gathered to participate in a deeply reflective and creative experience that explored the profound intersection of death and care.
Hosted by interdisciplinary artists Aaniya Asrani and Angela Fama, this collaboration between Radical Care and the Death Conversation Game became a transformative experience for everyone involved. For two weeks, we delved into questions that often remain unspoken, fostering a collective exploration of vulnerability, creativity, and connection.
A Space for Shared Stories
The event provided a unique space where strangers and friends came together to reflect on their relationships with death and care. Guided by the use of clay, paper, and an interactive card deck, participants engaged in somatic conversations that were as tactile as they were emotional. As stories emerged, hands molded clay and shaped paper into forms that held personal and collective meaning. These creations came together to form a collaborative art installation, a visual and tangible representation of our shared exploration of death and care.
Themes That Emerged
Across the span of these weeks, certain themes surfaced repeatedly in our conversations: the fear of the unknown, the role of ritual in grieving, the tension between holding on and letting go, and the ways care manifests in both life and death. Participants shared intimate reflections, from the pain of recent loss to the comforting memories of loved ones long gone. Others reflected on the care they provide—or wish they could provide—to themselves and others during times of grief.
One of the most powerful moments came when a participant remarked on the healing nature of simply being heard. "It’s rare to have a space where you can talk about death without judgment or discomfort," they shared. This sentiment echoed throughout the event with people stating they felt grateful for the experience, reminding us of the deep human need for connection and understanding.
The Art of Vulnerability
Creating art alongside these conversations added a layer of depth and resonance for folks. The tactile experience of shaping clay or writing on the paper offered a grounding counterpoint to the emotional weight of our discussions. As the art installation grew, it became a mirror of our collective journey—messy, beautiful, and profoundly human.
By the end of the event, the collaborative installation stood as a testament to the power of community and creativity. Each piece told a story, yet together they formed a narrative far greater than the sum of its parts. It was a reminder that while death is a universal truth, the ways we approach and process it are as diverse as the lives we lead.
Looking Ahead
This event was not just a moment but the beginning of an ongoing conversation. The insights and connections forged here will continue to ripple outward, inspiring further dialogue and creative expression, especially as we gear up to talk about these subjects as part of the Art Rise Collective.
To everyone who attended, thank you for your courage, your stories, and your art. You helped create a space where vulnerability could thrive and where we could begin to see death not as an end, but as a part of life’s continuum—a space where care resides.