Philadelphia’s Cemeteries Recognized as Thrilling Arts Venues

Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia serves as both a historical landmark and an evocative backdrop for contemporary art, especially in the hands of multi-media artist DonChristian Jones. As he strolled through the cemetery on a misty May morning, the moss-laden tombstones and grand mausoleums prompted musings on mortality and memory, themes that pervade his artistic endeavors.

Jones, who grew up in the area, first visited Laurel Hill Cemetery as a child, further connecting with the site as he explored the nearby Laurel Hill West in Bala Cynwyd, where his ancestors are interred. His early admiration for the cemetery’s striking mausoleums inspired him to create art that delves into the concept of legacy and communal memory.

Reflecting on his artistic journey, Jones revealed that his works often portray abandoned spaces in Philadelphia, including a poignant series of oil paintings featuring mausoleums tied to deeply personal themes about family and death. His work takes on an even more profound connotation following the passing of his father, Frederick Douglas Jones II, in February 2024, who succumbed to bone cancer. In a unique and personal touch, Jones has incorporated his father’s cremains into his performances, including a recent debut solo exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art PS1 in New York.

Frederick Douglas Jones II was a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s music scene, known for his work as a conga player. He had familial ties to the legendary musician Teddy Pendergrass and was a descendant of abolitionist William Still. DonChristian feels a deep commitment to these legacies of music and social justice, considering himself an abolitionist dedicated to addressing societal inequities, particularly those surrounding mass incarceration and systemic injustices.

This weekend, Jones will unveil his site-specific performance titled “The Politics of Mourning” as a key event in the inaugural Philadelphia Death & Arts Festival. This immersive piece will focus on collective grief in the historic context of the cemetery, utilizing a Doric terra cotta receiving vault originally designed for holding bodies during winter. His performance seeks to foster a communal space for remembrance, inviting participants to engage in a shared experience of loss.

The festival will take place from May 29 to June 1 at both Laurel Hill East and West, featuring a diverse lineup of performances and workshops aimed at transforming cultural perceptions of grief and death. Artists including Shavon Norris, Eiko Otake, and Mel Hsu will contribute to this multifaceted event, which also features discussions with experts in the end-of-life care field.

The Philadelphia Death & Arts Festival was co-conceived by Annie Wilson, a choreographer, performer, and death doula who emphasizes the importance of transforming the cultural dialogue surrounding death and grief through artistic expression. Her own experience of loss and her professional interactions with grief specialists have fueled her advocacy for a more open and imaginative relationship with the concepts of mortality and mourning.

As the city embraces a complex narrative surrounding death through art, local venues like Christ Church Burial Ground will continue to provide platforms for creative performances, further enriching the cultural fabric of Philadelphia. The combination of art and remembrance promises to resonate powerfully within the community, paving the way for a broader dialogue about grief, legacy, and the shared human experience.

For more information about the Philadelphia Death & Arts Festival, visit the festival’s official website.