Artwork: Requiem Pagoda

. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com .

“Requiem Pagoda” was created for “The Good Death” art show at Sketchpad Gallery. It’s funny how things turn out. This piece is more personal, as my Grandmother just passed away a couple of weeks ago, and I was then asked to participate in a show about Death–this piece became a homage to her. In Chinese cultures, death is a very taboo subject, but I wanted to honor the spirit of her. Taoist legends say that when someone dies, a crane whisks the spirit off into the afterlife. My view of death is not of fear, but acceptance; in my grandmother’s case, a bit of comfort from suffering. I’ve always thought water is a source of beauty and calm; after some time, feelings of grief become a quietness and reverence. The water represents purity, a cleansing of the soul, and the white chrysanthemum flowers in the frame are symbolic of death. The moon gate in this piece is simply a portal into the afterlife. The colors are kept simple, almost monochromatic so the viewer could soak in the details and subject.