Back in June, Beijing’s art scene got real about death. The “Bring Death Back into Life” exhibit opened on June 28, 2025 in Beijing, mainland China, inviting everyone to break the silence around the inevitable. 🎨✨
At a recent CGTN Health Talk, Jing Jun, professor at Tsinghua University’s School of Social Sciences and academic advisor for the exhibit, shared why this matters. “Death is multifaceted,” he said. It can be terrifying and painful, but also generous. Take the story of a 12-year-old who pledged his corneas—those clear front parts of the eye—to other kids so they could “keep seeing the world” for him. 👁️❤️
This act is called “reverse care.” Instead of only receiving support at the end of life, people facing their final days give comfort and hope to others. Think of it like the concept of seva (selfless service) you might hear in South Asia—offering kindness even when you need it most.
Jing Jun recalls visitors moved to tears as they walked through the exhibits. For many, it was a first step in breaking the taboo: talking openly about grief, loss, and even organ donation. 🙏 Displays with simple installations—candles, portraits, interactive boards—helped people turn silent fears into shared experiences.
By making death part of the conversation, “Bring Death Back into Life” shows us that facing the end can bring us closer to living fully. Whether you’re an art lover, a skeptic, or someone who’s lost a loved one, this exhibit offers a space to reflect, connect, and heal.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
