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A Different Perspective on the End of Life

About the Artwork

“This drawing depicts a different perspective on death—the idea that death may not always be associated with negative emotions. From my own experience, I’ve seen how some patients who’ve fought chronic illnesses their entire lives may experience death as something peaceful, a respite from their exhausting medical journeys. This piece points to the complexity of death–for the patient and for those around them.”

Aastha Shukla is an artist and premed student originally from New Jersey.

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Comments

4 thoughts on “A Different Perspective on the End of Life”

  1. Avatar photo

    Aastha, my mother just died at 84, releasing her from years of suffering chronic pain, depression and mobility challenges due to arthritis and severe foot deformities/neuropathy. Her transition was very peaceful and I think your drawing expresses the beauty and relief I felt surrounding her.
    as a former hospice NP, I agree that death can be a multi-layered experience. Thank you.

  2. Avatar photo

    Frankly, I love it! Thank you! I have been finding beauty in all stages of existence. Hardly discrete: birth-form-die-disperse.
    A beautiful and timely reminder of what we all share: animal, vegetable, mineral…..
    Thank you for your lovely picture!

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