Untitled #1, Funeral Homes Series
50.8cm X 50.8cm
Chromogenic Print

Untitled #2, Funeral Homes Series
50.8cm X 50.8cm
Chromogenic Print

Untitled #3, Funeral Homes Series
50.8cm X 50.8cm
Chromogenic Print

Untitled #4, Funeral Homes Series
50.8cm X 50.8cm
Chromogenic Print

Untitled #5, Funeral Homes Series
50.8cm X 50.8cm
Chromogenic Print

Untitled #6, Funeral Homes Series
50.8cm X 50.8cm
Chromogenic Print

Untitled #7, Funeral Homes Series
50.8cm X 50.8cm
Chromogenic Print

Untitled #8, Funeral Homes Series
50.8cm X 50.8cm
Chromogenic Print

Funeral Homes Series

My Funeral Homes Series examines the design and atmosphere of modern funeral homes, and the effect of these spaces on their inhabitants. Every man made environment is constructed explicitly to facilitate a specific purpose or event, and to encourage a specific emotional state, and much can be read about those who dwell within. Funeral home interiors incorporate elements familiar and comforting to people in a time of grief and vulnerability. Couches, arm chairs, coffee tables, paintings, and drapery all provide a reminder of the average living room. However, certain elements disturb this imitation, such as the lack of personal items, the unusual arrangement of furniture, or the over-abundance of tissue boxes. The spaces are designed to give a sense of privacy, but are often used by several different families each day.

Death is an important aspect of this project, but the images do not confront the issue directly. The photographs take on a more passive approach to dealing with the subject of mortality. They do not overtly present the image of a funeral home, and will require some examination from the viewer. Most western cultures avoid dealing with death, and modern funeral services are a reflection of this. Bodies are preserved and appearances often restored to life-like conditions. Chapels and viewing rooms are filled with flowers and photographs of the deceased. My photographs reflect our tendency to avoid confrontation with death out of fear it will remind us of our own mortality.