Darlene Aschbacher’s Portrait Series is Based on Newspaper Obituaries


The images in “Extended Obituary” were derived from death notices in the New York Times.

Harlem, NEW YORK—Some of the most intriguing work I saw on the Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour last weekend was a series of portraits inspired by newspaper obituaries.

Darlene Aschbacher created the small-scale portraits using ink on paper, paint on canvas and sculpting with clay. The smokey-hued images are fluid and shadowy, as though the men and women depicted are between realms.

“Extended Obituary,” was exhibited at Casa Frela Gallery and included a statement from Aschbacher. She described the series as “…a perpetual work in progress. Using a specific image on a specific day from the New York Times obituary page.”

Photos by Arts Observer

There is one comment

  1. Auntie Barb

    Congrats lady!!!!
    Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you.

    Your mom would be so proud. She was really glad and proud the you had found your voice.
    Really doing what you want.
    Love Auntie Barb

    I’ll give you a call.

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