Description

Death; we can deny it and medicine can delay it, but it is life’s only certainty. Despite this, it remains the ultimate taboo in British society.

In Alive: In The Face Of Death, photographer Rankin set out to explore and challenge our perceptions of death. Through his lens, the stories of those touched by death are revealed. They included people living with a terminal illness, those who have faced death and survived, and those who work within the death industry. 

“This is one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever been involved in and looks at life in the face of death. The issue of death is emotive. Part of this exhibition has involved me taking photographs of people with terminal illness which has been quite a challenging process. “I’ve met some amazing people and I think each portrait brings out the vitality of each subject, their humour and unique qualities.” – Rankin, 2013

Rankin’s powerful series was exhibited at the Walker Art Gallery and developed by BBC North and BBC Two’s The Culture Show in the form of a documentary - capturing both the artistic process and emotion in telling such a story. 

Janet Lee, The Culture Show Editor said: “This is a huge undertaking by Rankin and we are thrilled to be making a documentary that will reveal the whole process with exclusive access to Rankin and his subjects. The collaboration between The Walker Art Gallery, The Culture Show and BBC North aims to bring audiences a moving, life-enhancing film and a ground breaking exhibition.”

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