The feeling and tone of the exhibition by Rone was sacred and set by the first words I read at the entrance:
One day we each
– Will close a drawer,
– Put down a cup,
– Turn out a light,
– Send a message,
– Click a ‘like’
– Say “I love you”, “see you soon”, “have a good day”
For the last time
And we won’t know that it was.
But those who are left behind will replay it over and over and over again.
Betty – Linen cupboard strata. Old photographs. Pink leather baby shoe. Sheets in packets. Newspaper cuttings. Knitted segments awaiting their joins but needles long still. Seven birth notices at the back of our wedding album – oh Betty.
Merrylin – Books. Books and more books. Nick-nacks. Bed neatly made. Slippers. Papers. Ancient lap top. Photos of Bill. Murphy’s old collar. Medications. Black and white photos so young, so beautiful. – Oh Mere.
Rod – folding your clean clothes. Pairing your socks. Papers and journals and bills. Shopping away. Receipt that showed you were alive on Saturday night. Wallet with outdated Medicare cards bearing 9 names. – oh Rod.
Me…
What will I leave?
Will my belongings show me consistent?
Some surprises maybe but no shocks.
And love. Will my life show love?
‘Only what I’ve done for loves reward will stand the test of time’.
“Teach me to number my days that I may gain a heart of wisdom”
RONE: “WHAT DO WE LEAVE BEHIND WHEN WE GO? WHAT STORIES MIGHT OUR MOST TREASURED AND ORDINARY POSSESSIONS TELL ABOUT US? WILL THE PEOPLE IN THE FUTURE – THOSE STEPPING THROUGH THE DETRITUS, UNEARTHING STORIES ABOUT HOW WE LIVED – KNOW WHAT WE HELD DEAR? AND WILL THEY UNDERSTAND WHY, ONE DAY, WE NEVER CAME BACK?”