A few weeks ago I visited two galleries, one is the Centre of Contemporary Photography. But amongst all those photos exhibited, this one struck me the most. Just a polaroid photo of an empty chair and this handwritten note:
“My father is in hospital again. My mother too.I stayed at their house and wander from room to room. The house has no sentimental value for me. I never lived here. But the empty chairs, the bed, the pile of books waiting to be returned to the library, the Tattslotto tickets –
Heartbreakers.
One day I do my parents’ ironing.
A strange intimacy – stained clothes, crusty handkerchiefs.
I feel the beginning of absence.”
The complete item shown below.
Credit to the artist and the copywriter who I failed to find out who he or she is.
This is a tribute to the artist because this piece really affected me. (Maybe because I am at the age of the parents that the writer is talking about.)
Below is a continuation of my visit to the other gallery, 1 Mater Street. Some chairs in the exhibit rooms.
It’s funny how different things seem as we get older.
Yes, so true…our priorities change…our outlook in life changes. Thanks for stopping by Alice.
I enjoyed the visit 🙂
I feel like the writer expressed what I’ve felt at times as I deal with hospitalized family members.
It is such a sad feeling of unhelplessness.
Makes me sad and yet a reminder to check on those we love.
Pandemic or not it is always great to get in touch with loved ones
Very true.
sad…
Yes, I felt sad too upon reading it.
Wow, that is a touching post ❤ We really need to appreciate those we love…
Yes Lisa, sad to listen to these sentiments.
Heart-wrenching.
Who knew empty chairs could have this effect?
I believe that empty chairs evoke sad feelings.
Upon more pondering, it is the sentiment expressed in the song Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Miz
Oh yes 👍🏼
A sad story.
Yes, very sad especially in this stage of our lives! Thanks Sherry.
That’s very moving. Having dealt with the loss of both my parents, and both of my husband’s, I understand that emotion. Especially when, after my mother-in-law’s death, I started to sit in the chair she always occupied.
Thanks for that comment Sarah. Your story is a moving one!