12/16/2024
Before I Die is a transformative global public art project that invites us to reflect on life, death, and our connections with one another. Created by Taiwanese-American artist Candy Chang in New Orleans after the death of a loved one, the project reimagines how we engage with public space and encourages personal reflection. The artwork features a simple yet profound prompt: "Before I die, I want to..." which people are invited to fill in.
Since its creation, communities in over 75 countries have built their own "Before I Die" walls, sharing their aspirations and bringing people together in meaningful ways. Candy Chang’s 2012 TED Talk about the project has been viewed over five million times and translated into over 40 languages, demonstrating its far-reaching impact.
Photo by Yadira Villarreal.