A Life in Death

As a child, I simply couldn’t imagine life without my parents. I assumed that they would be there for every important milestone in my life, and that they would grow old together. I never thought that I would lose them both by the time I was twenty-nine.” – Nancy Borowick

In her long term reportage A Life In Death Nancy Borowick documents the lives of her parents affected by cancer. Borowick accompanied them over the course of several years with the camera. With great respect, she shows us her parents’ experiences while both undergo cancer treatment – their shifting dynamics and the daily banter of a couple that shares infinitely more than this challenge. Pictures of a family and their everyday life, characterized by love and loss.

Nancy Borowick’s work reflects a situation that many of us have experienced as patients, partners, in the family and among friends. Despite their intimacy, Borowick’s images are never voyeuristic or baring. Rather it is the great peace and strength in them, that raises the questions of how to deal with illness and death in our society.

The series was awarded the World Press Photo Award in the category long term project in 2016.

Speakers at the exhibition opening
Katharina Mouratidi, Artistic Diector Gesellschaft für Humanistische Fotografie
Nadine Barth, Consulting Editor for Photography Art Books at Hatje Cantz Verlag
Nancy Borowick, Photographer