We are happy to announce BEYOND: LIFE, DEATH & GRIEF, an exhibition by Nancy Ryan Keeling, as a result of her activity during her stay at Studio Kura.
Nancy Ryan Keeling is a self taught photographer. Her work explores how people cope with traumas in life and how they follow spiritual paths to make peace with their grief. She takes an unapologetic approach with the camera, as she delves into the dark places, of the human condition.
Her photography brings attention to people, who might not otherwise have a voice. Nancy’s work has been exhibited in the “Black Lives Matter” movement in USA and Poland .
Here are some words from the artist herself.
For a number of years, I have been documenting the different rituals following the death of loved ones throughout America. Mostly I am intrigued by the ways grief is handled.
Many Mexican Americans celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). They construct altars on November 2 which consist of photos of the departed, flowers, candles, religious figures & traditional foods.
I am working on a cross cultural project comparing Dia de Muertos to the Japanese customs during Obon Matsuri. I first experienced Obon 50 years ago in Kagashima. The images have influenced my art. I have returned to Kyushu to document with photos the celebrations I have carried in my heart & mind for half a century.
Nancy Ryan Keeling “BEYOND: LIFE, DEATH & GRIEF”
Date: August 27 (Saturday) & 28 (Sunday), 11:00 to 19:00, free entrance
* We will hold an artist talk and opening party on Saturday the 27th, starting at 16:30.
* The exhibition by Wenting Tao will be held during the same exhibition period.