2023

string, wax, and wood, 46” x 38”

Fear of reprisal, rape, torture, and murder motivated tens of thousands of German citizens to commit mass suicide as the victorious Russians advanced in April and May 1945. Civilians, government workers and military personnel jumped, cut their wrists, shot themselves (and their families), or bit down on capsules of Potassium Cyanide, which ends life within 4 minutes. Death by Potassium Cyanide creates an Audible Gasp, which can be heard when respiration ceases.