Newham Mortuary

Michael Ziga was commissioned by Vital Arts to create new works for the Newham Mortuary. The watercolors were created en plein air across Newham and East London, where the deceased and their families would have spent time together. The ephemeral paintings capture the abstract essence of the city, allowing family members to reminisce on experiences with their loved ones.

After the initial watercolor, the brushstroke outlines were drawn to emphasize the gestures, demystifying the process of painting. The pastoral pictures act as windows in an otherwise windowless room, providing emotional reprieve without overwhelming the grieving families.