In The Wake Of A Deadad

by Andrew Kotting, Gareth Evans (Editor), Adam Chodzko (Contributor)

In the Wake of a Deadad is Kotting's powerful, often uncomfortable reflection on the recent death of his father. His Deadad. The book includes the replies of an Invitation to Write that Kötting sent out to 65 individuals. Each was encouraged to write in response to four photographs of Kötting's Deadad, including one of his dead body laid out in the chapel of rest. As well as Kötting's own musings and confabulations about the project there is an introduction and conclusion by Gareth Evans and contributions from the likes of Adam Chodzko, Laurence Coriat, Mark Cousins, Jem Finer, Tony Grisoni, Gregorios - Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, Sean Lock, Iain Sinclair, Dr Muhammad Shabbir Usmani, Janni Visman, Fay Weldon and Eden Kötting. This book accompanies an exhibition.

444 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 2006

Reviews

[Ying · Rating 3 out of 5]

scrutinizing and interpreting the photos kottig sends out of his deadad is much like looking at my own livedad (always in furtive glances) and attempting to make meaning out of this strange, strange livedad (who will become an even greater mystery when he transitions to deadad)

[camila read that · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really loved the whole concept behind this book! I do think it is a little too extensive, but the letters, photographs, quotes, all the material just adds up perfectly to how we can experience loss and the mourning that comes after.

Rather than a satisfying reading experience, I’d say this book is a satisfying snapshot of a dead father’s life and a compendium of ideas a son gathers as he faces his grief.

3.5 stars

[Gloria Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of all over the place, perhaps inherently so in its concept and tone, but I can't help but feel that a more critical editor. Like, the first 20 pages are completely unnecessary. But it certainly has some compelling ideas here. Probably wouldn't have read it if it hadn't been assigned but I ultimately look mostly positively on it.

[Hannah Keselman · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book lacked any real courage, and part of me is inclined to say that was the point. i am so unbelievably tired of artists and writers not taking risks or taking risks just for risk-taking sake. i am so unbelievably tired of acting like british white middle-aged man art projects are life-changing or revolutionary. they talk so much and say so little.