Triumph of Death

Stephanie (Australia)

I created this “map” of my writing process very quickly and without planning. In the process I realised that my identity as a writer and researcher is separate (although deeply connected to) the subject and form of my project. The final two lines are from the Triumph of Death in the Pisan Camposanto, which is one of the images at the core of my thesis. In this fresco a monk exhorts both the other characters in the work, and the audience, saying:

‘If your mind has become aware

By keeping your sight on what is here,

Vainglory will be defeated

And you will see the death of Pride.

You too will come to this, it is clear!

Now observe the law that is written here.’

While the monk is trying to impart a religious warning about death, the inducement to fixedly look is an important component of my discipline which I must heed.