Before I Die: Communities in Conversation about Death

Credit: tedxvienna

When American Candy Chang stumbled upon an abandoned house in her New Orleans neighborhood — grey, decrepit, windows in shambles — she had an idea. Rather than let the building decay, she saw the potential for an inspiring project that could give it new life. The result? The Before I Die installation series, which has seen so much success that over 30 countries have emulated it.

Credit: tedxvienna

The Before I Die concept was simple enough: take to the dumpy walls with chalkboard paint, write “Before I die I want to___” on the surface and invite the public to share what they want to do before crossing the river Styx.

The first “Before I Die” house.
(credit: tedxvienna)

In a part of America that has seen so much devastation in the past decade, Chang’s New Orleans installation was the perfect community gesture: “It was simple. I didn’t seek expressions of sorrow, grief or pity. Not that it would have turned away from more somber reflections — but this was, literally, a clean slate for those at their lowest.” The house that was initially resigned to fall apart became the foundation for a diverse range of aspirations to take their first step.

Chattanooga, Hamburg, Barcelona and Paris — the walls started springing up everywhere. It became an easy, organic — even fun — way to express what we’re afraid of: missed opportunities. And, interestingly enough, many of the statements can be dwindled down to experiences that invite a human bonding experience (ex. learning a language, falling in love).

What would you write on the Before I Die wall? We look forward to your comments below.

You may enjoy:

• Cézanne: Letting the Grief Settle
• SFMOMA and Pauletta Chanco’s “Living on Shifting Sands”
• Smithsonian Artist Captures Images of Dried Tears