Remembering Felix
On
the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates through confidence
have devolved on us the task of a double living- that we have henceforth to
fulfill the promise of our friend’s life also, in our own, to the world.
Henry
David Thoreau
Felix
Brow was an artist, scenic and costume designer, and window display designer
living in NY when he was diagnosed with Biphasic Pleural Mesothelioma, a cancer
caused by asbestos exposure, primarily occurring in the elderly. Felix was 28 at
the time of diagnosis. Felix found out that his birthday, September 26th,
was Mesothelioma Awareness Day during his 1-year battle with the disease. He
vowed to not only fight to extend his own life, but work on advocacy to prevent
this catastrophic, but preventable, cancer. Sadly, Felix lost his battle 1 year
after his diagnosis. His friends and family continue to remember Felix and
carry on his work.
This
exhibit starts with Felix’s love of literature. Growing up in Concord, MA,
Felix developed this love early in life. He remained well-read throughout his
short life and found comfort in reading while he was ill. The first section of
the exhibit is a book dedicated to Felix called Mandelbrot the Tree: A Fractal
Story. It continues with Felix’s Lemony Snicket inspired Sour Sixteen “party”
and his life-long love of Edward Gorey including his 12th birthday
and Brooklyn memorial service.
The
next section illustrates Felix’s love of historic preservation. At the time of
his death, Felix was planning on starting the Master’s in Historic Preservation program at Boston University. His BU admissions essay is displayed with his painting of
an historic house in Concord that was torn down.
The
next section speaks to Felix’s thoughts on Love, Infinity, and the Afterlife.
It includes a journal entry he wrote years before he was diagnosed, a quilt by
his grandmother, Jill Brow, and Felix’s Love Collage.
The
exhibit continues with the Art & Illness section showing works of art created
by Felix while he was battling terminal cancer, and continues with memorials
Remembering
Felix
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