The Big Sleep: Conversations on Finality opens doors for death dialogue

Sept 27-Nov 8
Opening reception Sept 27, 4-8pm

Saturday September 27th from 4-8pm, The Confluence Gallery & Art Center in Twisp WA will be hosting the opening of its newest exhibit The Big Sleep: Conversations on Finality. The exhibit will represent regional and local artists in a variety of mediums as they explore their own very personal and intimate thoughts on the subject of Death. Curators Joanne Marracci and Vern White hope to ignite dialogue on the subject with evocative and inspired works.

Michelle Anderst, Biochemical Dream

With the Methow Valley still reeling from record-breaking natural disasters, the community is beginning to experience the process of reclamation and rebirth. While this exhibit ponders the ends of things, it can also be a new starting point. One definition of death is “the end of life: the time when someone or something dies” while another is not necessarily physical death but “the destruction or permanent end of something”. Even the Tarot defines the Death card as simply “transformation and change.” “Most of us, even those not directly affected by the fires and floods, have experienced a profound sense of change here in the valley. A sense that nothing is permanent, that nothing should be taken for granted,” says Marracci. The intent of this show is to explore not only the death of the body, but the death of concepts and ideas.

In conjunction with the exhibit on Wednesday October 29th the Confluence will host a series of speakers dealing with the subject of death. Details to be announced. This will be a free event.

By presenting a small number of different interpretations and bringing the subject of death out into the open, Marracci and White hope to give others permission to explore their own very personal, complex and contradictory attitudes towards death.