Before I die…
📍 206 E Elizabeth St, Austin, TX 78704
Losing a loved one is never easy. But, they say art has the power to bring closure to one's grief. One such story was of a New Orleans-based artist named Candy Chang. In an attempt to seek closure after losing a close friend, Candy Chang wanted to make space for her neighbors to reflect on death. So, she created a giant chalkboard wall on an abandoned house with a simple question
Before I die, I want to ____.
And before she knew it, this personal experiment became "one of the most creative community projects ever," giving people a space to reflect, hope, and a sense of oneness.
I first learned about this art project in Candy Chang's Ted Talk. Then, inspired by this initiative's sheer playfulness, purpose, and creative element, I added this experience to my bucket list and visited Austin, Texas.
Located right between the quiet residential area and the busy streets of South Congress Ave, was this house hidden behind a huge tree. It had a giant chalkboard wall filled with people's reflections. From humor to sarcasm, life loss to love, many emotions were expressed on this wall. It is by far one of the most unique, empowering experiences of my life, and I instantly wanted to be a part of it.
So, I grabbed the colorful chalk lying nearby on the ground and wrote mine.
Before I die, I want to learn how to backflip.
2 years later, I started training for gymnastics, trying to fulfill my childhood dream in adulthood, and I did it! I learned how to backflip!
Communities in over 75 countries, including USA, Iraq, China, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and South Africa, have built 5,000 Before I Die walls. Here is how you can make one with your community.
PS: Here are some of the most amusing reflections I read on the wall during my visit:
Before I die, I want to live on a beach.
Before I die, I want to fit my whole fist in my mouth.
Before I die, I want to Own Jimmy Johns
Before I die, I want to 'meet Drake <3'.
Before I die, I want to eat the best cupcake in the world.
Go find a wall near you and fill in the blank.
Details
Address: 206 E Elizabeth St, Austin, TX 78704
Website: https://beforeidieproject.com/
