Goethe-Zentrum Organises Photo Exhibition on Final Farewell Traditions from Around the World

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Goethe-Zentrum, the German Cultural and Language Institute, will be organising an open-air exhibition of the frames of celebrated photographer Michael Gleich in the city from November 5 to 8, featuring an assortment of clicks on final farewell traditions in various cultures from across the world.

‘Silence Alive, the Global Culture of Farewell’ is the motif of the free-to-walk-in show to be hosted at the Museum Park in the city. Eminent filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan will inaugurate the exhibition at 11 am on November 5.

The show offers a glance into the final farewell traditions from around the world, including those of the Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Chinese communities, clicked by Michael Gleich.

The images focus on the universal desire of bidding a dignified farewell to the loved ones.

According to Michael, it is only the forms, symbols and rituals that differ, when it comes to honouring the dead.

While it is not an easy topic to digest, his photos are known for their high aesthetic value and are celebrated as an artistic contribution to honouring the dead.

During his visit to Kerala, Michael had also documented the Hindu tradition of open-air cremation in Kannur.

Michael will be present at the opening day of the show on November 5, and will hold Q&A sessions on the day and the next.

“It is important to me to showcase the incredible diversity of final farewells,” says Michael, who has been to places across the world to cover all types of funerals, cemeteries and religious symbols and rituals, free from judgement and Eurocentrism.

“I am fascinated by the fact that cemeteries are often places of silence and loving remembrance, and frequently green oases in the midst of bustling cities,” said Michael, adding he calls this phenomenon ‘silence alive’.

The exhibition features photographic works from various countries including Malaysia, the UK, South Africa, Lebanon, Tunisia, Rwanda, France, Austria, Germany and Kerala in India.

Having worked with journalists, journalism schools, and media decision makers at home and abroad, Michael believes in changing the common perception that negative news and violence “sells,” proving that journalism can be a positive force for social change.