Remember that you will die: Death across Cultures is probably one of the nicest exhibitions I’ve seen in a while, combing East and West, art and craft, history and culture as it does in a small but rich way. The Rubin Museum of Art is creating a top notch space for the art of the Himalayas in a way that draws connections and entices the viewer to learn more. Top skull and left skull pocket watch of European origin. Right, Lord of the Charnal Grounds mask used by dancers and below image of hellfires of Eastern origin. The different memento mori are rather more similar across cultures than one might think. All present death in terrifying aspect. The image below only solidifies the horror– o the horror!

However, as the museum notes, “Yes, you will die. But at least you can write about it.” And thus they offer a very fun essay contest that will let you take a stab at death, if only with a pen. I’m planning on entering myself.