Last Breath is an evocative filmic piece that explores the space between life and death, the mind and body, necromancy and the female supernatural. In exploring the tradition, ritual and folklore imagination of the dying experience specific to Ireland, the artist collaborated with ethnographic sound and keening specialist Michelle Collins in creating a compellingly transcendental vocal soundscape.

 

The film draws on Brett’s ongoing research into Irish and international death rituals, see her book  Death Ritual Practice and was further informed by a research project with palliative care staff, and an artist residency at University College Dublin School of Social Sciences and Law.

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Last Breath premiered at The Irish Museum of Modern Art, with eminent Professor Patricia Lysaght, a specialist in Irish / International Supernatural Folklore Studies, making a lecture response to the art piece.