Chinese ancestor worship emphasizes the influences of deceased relatives on the living. It is believed that these ancestors maintain an interest in family affairs after they have passed on. If the family members engage in the continual remembrance of their ancestors, they will be treated favorably by them from beyond the grave. Shrines are built in the home and ancestral tablets serve as stand ins for the loved one. The purpose of my project will be to bring to light the contributions that our ancestors have left us and continue to leave us. Instead of tablets, the ancestors will be represented by silhouettes and a book will accompany the installation with stories from the ancestors.
This is a beautiful photo. I wonder if the hispanic tradition of celebrating the "day of the dead" is in any way related? I wonder if my grandmother, who was mad, and who loved art, is influencing me right now?
ReplyDeleteCertain words in your writing are jumping out at me; light, engage, stories.