尾山直子

OYAMA Naoko

“What sound do you want to hear at the end of your life?” With this question, I photographed the ears of more than 50 people, ranging in age from their 20s to 100s. The narratives that emerged from this question reveal diverse and profound views on life and death. By juxtaposing these narratives with photographs of ears—each unique and unparalleled—the stories take on a tangible form and remain present in the world. Several decades ago, aging and death were an integral part of daily life. Most people passed away at home, and it was considered one of life’s natural processes. However, in modern times, death has moved to hospitals and care facilities. As a result, opportunities to experience aging and death in the continuum of everyday life or to reflect deeply on them have diminished. This work brings the "stories of life and death" of ordinary people to the broader society as a form of expression. By encountering a variety of perspectives on life and death, we may be able to cultivate fertile ground for meaningful time. I hope this work serves as a pathway to such encounters.