Reference and Reverence

MFA Thesis | SYNOPSIS


The thesis is about ecological burial and alternative visions in the process of death within contemporary America. Ecological burial (or natural burial) is a process of releasing the deceased body back to nature in a non-destructive manner. In the era of environmental concern, natural burial ultimately ensures the sanctity of the land it rests on, as well as reducing toxic use of formaldehyde and non-biodegradable materials in modern burial processes which potentially cause ecological damage.

The thesis will consist of photographic work augmented with written discussions and research. The highlights of my research will involve assessing ecological burial, its core values, as well as dealing with loss outside traditional modes of belief. I seek to present a readdressing of cultural and religious values from traditional notions of death in America.

The work will also provide visual representation of eventual unity with landscape. My goal is to provide the ladder with a poetic approach, while using formal narrative approaches to address societal concerns with death and ecology.

The basis of my approach will be visual reportage alongside various means of material gathering through written, video or audio.The final body of work will be presented as a photographic exhibition alongside research and supplementary material, as well as in book form for publication using all available research material gathered.

Completed in 2009 as a part of requirement for Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media, Ryerson University.

12" x 12" Hardcover.

PDF Research / Info and Methodology is available.

For more information on natural burial please visit http://www.naturalburialassoc.ca/

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