Durham artists seek objects loved ones left behind

Mary Helen Moore

Polaroid image of a child in a black hoodie and red sneakers on a wooden floor, taped to a white poster with handwritten text "Museum of Left Behind" and two black logos in the corner; QR code bottom right. — Jooselord lost his son Onyx (pictured) this year to cancer. He is contributing an object to Weird Productions' Museum of Left Behind. Flier: Courtesy of Lindsay Hebert

When someone dies, things inevitably get left behind — their tablet, a trusty pair of black studded heels, a stuffed pink penguin they warmed up and held during chemotherapy, hoodies, lotions, jewelry and even their trash.

The big picture: Artists in Durham are now assembling a collection of such objects for a temporary downtown display called the Museum of Left Behind.

And they're taking submissions.

What they're saying: "This has really struck a chord with people, which is beautiful and shows how much it's lacking — conversations about grief," says Lindsay Hebert of Weird Productions, which is behind the project.

Hebert lost her mom to cancer this year, and in her grief, she says she often looks to artists. "They're so able to help us make sense of it."

Context: Hebert crossed paths with Durham rapper Jooselord while his son and her mom were both hospitalized at Duke.

The objects will go on display Oct. 30 during Jooselord's All Onyx World music festival, which is named for the child he lost.

What's next: Fill out an online form by Oct. 11 to be part of the show at NorthStar Church of the Arts.

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Durham artists seek objects loved ones left behind

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