Dupont in Detail: Before You Die . . .

On my bike ride home yesterday I was stopped in my tracks (or tires?) by a scene at the intersection of 14th and Q Streets. A group of people was standing around looking at this:

The "Before I Die" wall. Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

The “Before I Die” wall. Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

This was just what I needed after a somewhat crummy day: I laughed, I cried, I was grateful that a piece of public installation art made me think a little about what is really important in life. Here is a sampling of some of my favorite writings:

My new friend Yao wants to fall in love. Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

My new friend Yao contemplates the meaning, complexity and fluidity of love and life. Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

Come Clean. Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

Come Clean. Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

Someone hopes to turn 6! Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

Someone hopes to turn 6! Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

All worthy things to aspire to. Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

All worthy things to aspire to. Photo: Amanda Jiron-Murphy

This wonderful piece of art was begun by artist Candy Chang, and you can read all about it on her website, or even begin a “Before I Die” wall in your own neighborhood. Me personally? I want to see Sri Lanka again, sing an earth-shattering rendition of Heart’s “Barracuda” at a karaoke night, realize my full potential, and leave the world a little better than I found it.

So.

What do you want to do before you die?

Amanda Jiron-Murphy, In-Gallery Interpretation and Public Programs Coordinator

3 thoughts on “Dupont in Detail: Before You Die . . .

  1. Learn, teach, make art, give people hope, laugh, dream, make a bigger board to keep adding comments! Great story Amanda!

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