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Ashley Neese
I want them to know (in three voices)
mixed: sound; photography; writing, [2005-2006]

During the last two years I have become increasingly aware of my parents' mortality as well as my brother's and my own. As a child I thought my parents were 33 years of age forever. I have noticed their aging and in turn noticed my own. My brother, though younger than I, has chosen a career where his life is on the line, thus making his life seemingly more in jeopardy. This awareness has made me afraid that they will die and not know how much they mean to me.

I want them to know.

I created a specific list for my mother, father, and brother expressing my fears, wishes, apologies, and thoughts surrounding our individual relationships. By reading these lists, out loud, in private, they will be more likely to hear my words as I intend them. It is my hope that by speaking as if they were me, they will feel more connected to me and our relationships will be richer. Living a life without regrets is something I want for myself. I don't ever want to say "I wish I had told them" or "I wish I had said....”

I want them to know.