The Sibling Connection

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LOSS OF SIBLING
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The Sibling Connection

The Stages of Grief in Art

In this first drawing of two, Missouri artist Karol Keeteman depicts the grief process as a break in the universal flame or ribbon of love. As shown by the almost religious clothing worn by the griever, she indicates both the loss of identity that accompanies grief and the idea that somehow the grieving individual is being wrapped by a higher power. As the person moves through the stages, she (or he) rages, sobs, withdraws, and bargains with this power.

In the second drawing, Keeteman shows the person reaching up, and then re-connecting to the ribbon of love. At the same time, we see that the griever is a woman, who now takes on a recognizable form. Wrapped completely in the love she thought was broken, she is now led back into life by that love. It is as if she has passed through a country that she can now leave behind. Life is calling.

With thanks to Karol Keeteman for permission to post here.

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