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Liz Gridley - 'Do You Fear Decomposition?' - oil on aluminium with metal lace frame

$1,980.00 AUD
$1,980.00 AUD

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Do You Fear Decomposition?

Oil on aluminium with metal lace frame by Liz Gridley.

Painting size: 37.5 x 30 cm (14.8" x 11.8")

Frame size: 40.8 x 33.2 cm (16.1" x 13.1")

Embalming is the process of temporarily preserving a corpse. It has been used in ancient civilisations (such as egyptian mummies which were primarily dried with natron salt) but modern embalming includes different methods and materials. The process is not performed for sanitary or safety reasons, but to slow decomposition.  Blood and bodily fluid/waste is drained from the dead body through the veins and replaced with preservative chemical solutions through the arteries. The blood, fluid and waste are removed using punctures to the primary body cavity then replaced with a similar chemical solution.

Embalming fluids have varied over time (previously including Arsenic) but most contemporary formulations commonly include Formaldehyde, Ethanol, Silicon, dyes and more. Morticians working in embalming have strict regulations to protect themselves when using these chemicals as many are known carcinogens (can cause cancer). Many of these chemicals also do not break down organically when the body is buried, or release as gases when the body is cremated with flame based methods.

Embalming is a required service for some situations such as bodies being transported over long distances (such as by airplane). In most cases however embalming is a choice and not required by any law or regulation. Embalming and body preservation can also include many aesthetic tools to ‘preserve’ the body such as plastic eye caps, mouth formers, trocar buttons/plugs, jaw wires, fluid control tools and colourants.

Learn more on Liz Gridley’s website.

Liz Gridley's available art and biography

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