Artist Statement
In this piece, Death is Not the End, the juxtaposition of maintaining a connection with those lost, while simultaneously adjusting to life without them is explored. The use of mixed media to convey a spectrum of emotions surrounding death along with the use of both a skeleton, to represent death, and "normal" hands and body contours to represent life, highlight the importance that proper healing play in both mourning and celebrating life.
Recommended Citation
Koleng, Marianne
(2025)
"Death is Not the End,"
be Still: Vol. 9, Article 29.
Available at:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/bestill/vol9/iss1/29
Included in
Art Practice Commons, Creative Writing Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Medical Humanities Commons
About the Artist
Hello - my name is Marianne Koleng and I am a second-year medical student at Nova Southeastern University's KPCOM as well as a candidate for an MS in Nutrition at Nova too. After graduation I hope to become either a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist and incorporate my artistic style into my practice. For me, art represents a sacred oath of healing from the daily stresses of life, great changes, and grief. I often remind myself that learning to heal from micro traumas is just as impactful to grow as an individual, and art is one of my favorite means to assist me on my journey.