Existential Birthday Candles

A reflection on time spent vs time ahead can help to put life into perspective. Existential Birthday Candles are a fun game anyone can play on their birthday. They use Canadian insurance, health, and economic statistics to inform the annual celebration. Instructions are included so the numbered candles on the cake reflect the average years someone can expect ahead of them, instead of the years already lived. Reflecting on existence can be hopeful and fun! This is based on science, but it is not a guarantee, nor is it a prediction. It is absurd, existentialist humour.
This work was conceived as sculptural multiple in the tradition of Fluxus. The candles are hand cast using soy wax in small batches. Box is 3.25 x 3.25 x 3.25 in. Candles are made of soy wax. Photo Credit: Vian Esterhuisen