ashley ortiz-diaz
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as part of lo que se fue y lo que se dejó, this gallery contains images of the death workshop table created to facilitate the making of hexaflexagons and a conversation about death and dying.
originally meant to hold space for six individuals, the table (designed in collaboration with artist Peter Gouge) is composed of six smaller triangular tables, each laser etched with a template developed by the artist to make a hexaflexagon.
once made, the hexaflexagon is drawn on by participants using charcoal. at the center of the table is a space for tape, bone folders, and charcoal, as well as snacks and water for the second part of the workshop: a conversation about death.
the template has been included in the zine, soñe contigo and the workshop is in the process of being adapted to increase portability. it will soon be available online for anyone to access and host.
video links:
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half of the death workshop table and paper strips for the workshop above (installation view)
participants were instructed via wall decal to tear one strip of paper from the wall and complete the instruction on the table below.
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detail of laser etched instructions
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detail of laser etched instructions with charcoal residue
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death workshop table detail
the table is laser etched and CNC cut, made in collaboration with artist, Peter Gouge, at Infinity Fabrication Lab in Gainesville FL
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installation view of death workshop table, including the residue of my residue is me, and the charcoal process installation in the background
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participant using the death workshop table
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the death workshop was adapted for use in the classroom. here the artist is leading a group of 6th grade student through the workshop
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the design of the hexaflexagon was adapted for facilitating the workshop with children. a focus on the life cycle of the long leaf pine tree was emphasized.
here is one side of the hexaflexagon, symbolizing the fire needed by the long leaf pines to clear the debris on the forest floor and unlock its potential to mature.
for more on long leaf pines, view this page of soñe contigo.
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the death workshop was also held at the Civic Media Center, a community space and library in Gainesville, FL.
photo by Victoria Palombit
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the artist (left) and participants (right)
photo by Victoria Palombit
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the artist assisting a participant in the death workshop
the workshop was adapted for this workshop by printing the hexaflexagon template onto sheets of paper.
photo by Victoria Palombit
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death workshop participants assisting each other in creating their hexaflexagons
photo by Victoria Palombit
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workshop participant becoming familiar with using their hexaflexagon
photo by Victoria Palombit
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workshop participant navigating their hexaflexagon after having drawn on it with charcoal
photo by Victoria Palombit
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the second part of the death workshop is a conversation about death using the hexaflexagon as a meditative tool to facilitate the conversation.
photo by Victoria Palombit
