Dead Good Artists

People often leave their creative work behind when they die. These legacies can bring comfort and joy to those who hold their loved ones, and their creations, in their hearts. They may display them with pride in their own homes, and continue to pass these precious pieces down through future generations.

For others, the responsibility of taking care of these memories may not be so easy, and many pieces may be hidden away due to personal tastes or painful reminders.

Dead Good Artists is an exhibition celebrating the artistic legacies left by ordinary people who, in their own unique ways, expressed their creativity throughout their lives. It offers an opportunity to honour and share these personal creations, recognising the individuals behind them - those who are no longer with us. At the same time, the exhibition invites reflection on the profound responsibility of becoming the custodian of someone’s artistic legacy, exploring both the joys and challenges of preserving and carrying forward their creative spirit.

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to be captured alongside the artwork, with a photograph of the artist, creating a new legacy connecting the art, the artist and the custodian forevermore.

Exhibitors will be invited to participate in two themed workshops facilitated by Pilgrims Hospices, through their Compassionate Communities work:

• Workshop 1 – Art and Identity: Unveiling the life behind the legacy

  Exhibitors are invited to dive deep into the personal history of the artist, exploring how their life experiences, values and worldview are reflected in their artwork.

  By examining the intersection of identity and creation, participants will gain insights into the artist's motivations and the broader context of their work, enriching the understanding of both the artist and the legacy they’ve left behind.

• Workshop 2 – Guardians of Legacy: The burden & beauty of custodianship

  This session focuses on the emotional and practical aspects of being the steward of an artist’s legacy. Exhibitors will discuss the weight of preserving and sharing artwork that transcends generations, navigating the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of acting as the custodian of a significant cultural treasure.

  Through shared experiences, participants will explore how to honour and amplify the artist’s vision while maintaining its relevance in today's world.