Professional Mourners Perform at Park Avenue Armory, Jewelry Auctions’ Bright Future

Taryn Simon has recruited people from around the world to perform traditional songs and rituals meant to help the dead cross over to the afterlife.

The Wade Thompson Drill Hall at the Park Avenue Armory.
The Wade Thompson Drill Hall at the Park Avenue Armory. Photo: James Ewing

Professional mourners from all over the world star in Park Avenue Armory Show art exhibition. Taryn Simon’s installation and performance show, An Occupation of Loss, opened last Tuesday ahead of the 15th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001. For the occasion, Simon has brought over 30 “professional mourners” from countries across the world to perform traditional songs and rituals meant to help the dead cross over to the afterlife.

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Professional Mourners Perform at Park Avenue Armory, Jewelry Auctions’ Bright Future