Brain Food #593

Think of the ghosts

Thoughts of the day

Artist Angela Deane would gather old photographs from garage sales and eBay, slowly ending up with a collection of memories belonging to strangers. One afternoon, she began to paint all the people in them as ghosts.

Her ghosts are not intimidating - they are almost likeable, dressed in their traditional, childish attire: a white bedsheet with two holes cut for the eyes.

Their friendly look, combined with the faded colour of the photographs, give each work a tint of nostalgia. The ghosts are not just the people, but also the memories.

Looking at these photos reminds us of something we tend to forget: we are insignificant. After a few generations, we will be forgotten, in the same manner in which we rarely think of our great ancestors now, if it all. This is the tragedy of life. It can be left at any moment.

This is also a gift. With this thought in mind, we can let our troubles diminish, too. The next time you are tempted by disappointment, anger, negativity, think of the ghosts.

Have a great week ahead.