Students' 'coffin exhibit' returns with reflections on life and death

Taipei, May 2 (CNA) Five graduating students from Chinese Culture University are bringing back their thought-provoking "coffin experience" exhibit at Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB) starting Saturday, following high demand after its initial presentation in March.

The team, which call themselves "Wanderers," comes from the university's Department of Mass Communication. Through photography, they explore the themes of life and death, inviting visitors to lie in an actual coffin as a means to contemplate their own mortality.

The students explained to CNA that by breaking the taboo of encountering coffins only in the context of death, they aim to create a space for visitors to reflect on what truly matters in life -- who they love and what remains unsaid.

The exhibit, which first debuted at the "Wetland" art space in Taipei in March, attracted nearly 500 visitors in just two days and sparked significant online discussion.

According to the students, one visitor quietly cried after the experience, sharing that it reminded her of people she never had the chance to say goodbye to, while others later expressed how the exhibit helped them process emotions or reconnect with loved ones.

"From this feedback, we deeply feel that when art truly connects with issues of life, the impact can resonate deeply with the heart," the students shared.

Now featured as part of the department's graduation show, "ViewFinder," the exhibit has been refined to offer a more intimate and reflective experience -- almost like a quiet ritual, the students said, expressing hope it will encourage visitors to rediscover the value of life itself.

"ViewFinder" runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday on the second floor of the C-LAB Library Exhibition Space in Taipei. More details are available on their Instagram: wanderers_o41