Dumas and Heidegger on Death to Come

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a reflection on the relationship of images and words through the painting of Marlene Dumas, specifically her well-known painting, “Measuring Your Own Grave.” I discuss how Dumas’ painting calls forth the Heideggerian existential notion of being-towards-death that is connected to the possibility of becoming responsible for our own choices. In addition, following Guignon, I discuss the “existential meaning” of Dumas’ work and thus the sense in which it discloses our mortality as well as our connection to others.