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The West Australian Pulse: Taylor O'Sullivan reflects on the duality of life and death

The West Australian Pulse: Taylor O'Sullivan reflects on the duality of life and death

West Australian01-06-2025
Taylor O'Sullivan's artwork hanging from the walls of The Art Gallery of Western Australia reminds people of the fragility of life.
The piece, First Dance, encourages art lovers to reflect on the eternal nature of death.
'The meaning behind the artwork is about the duality of both life and death, and that living isn't necessarily the last part of living,' he said.
'So it explores the idea of life after death, and that the way we live right now isn't the final destination.
'Life is a bit fragile it's very, very easy to come and go, as I've had multiple friends pass away, but yeah, life is fragile, and you've got to live it to the extent, and then we'll all be living beyond life together.'
The unique piece was inspired by Mr O'Sullivan's personal experience and religious influences.
Set in the Garden of Eden, First Dance depicts skeletons dancing.
'The skeletons dancing is that kind of duality of not there being in the physical form, but in the secondary form of living, where it all started, but also after,' he said.
The Seton Catholic College graduate used a wood-burning technique to highlight the fragility of life within a space of innocence.
Mr O'Sullivan said the work is up for interpretation, but he hopes it encourages reflection.
'Be grateful for everything you have. Live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment,' he said.
The free exhibition is open from May 3 until August 31 at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
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